Maldives President Offers to Mediate the Long‑Dormant SAARC Revival

On the festive occasion of the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day, President Mohamed Muizzu took a moment away from the usual fanfare to address a matter that has lingered over the region for almost a decade – the stalled South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation, better known as SAARC.

“SAARC remains a cornerstone of our shared destiny,” Muizzu said, his voice steady but hinting at a hint of urgency. “Yet for nine years its engines have barely turned.” He reminded listeners that the last summit, the 18th, took place in Kathmandu back in November 2014, and the much‑anticipated 19th summit in Pakistan never materialised.

SAARC’s eight members – India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan – together represent nearly two‑billion people and roughly a quarter of the world’s population. Their combined GDP tops USD 5 trillion, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. But political stand‑offs, especially over cross‑border terrorism and lingering mistrust, have kept the forum quiet.

President Muizzu, however, signalled a change of tone. He pledged that the Maldives would not only push for a resumption of summit meetings but would also be ready to act as a neutral facilitator. “If parties find it hard to sit together, we are prepared to open the doors, host dialogue and, if needed, mediate,” he explained, drawing a subtle parallel with the nation’s own diplomatic track record of favouring peaceful dispute resolution.

He appealed directly to the member states: put aside divergent views, gather around a table, and prioritise regional development and peace. “Our region thrives when we cooperate, not when we argue,” Muizzu added, a sentiment that resonated with the audience of dignitaries and citizens alike.

The call comes at a time when South Asia faces multiple challenges – climate change threatening low‑lying islands, economic slowdown, and security concerns that know no borders. Reviving SAARC, even in a modest form, could provide a platform for coordinated action, shared resources and a collective voice on the global stage.

While the Maldives’ offer is a fresh overture, the real test will be whether the other seven nations are willing to move beyond entrenched positions. If they do, the next summit could finally break the nine‑year silence and set a new course for cooperation in the region.