← All questionsGS2 · 2022 · International Relations ·BIMSTEC vs SAARC
QUESTION 10
GS2
10 marks

Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Answer all three parts: whether BIMSTEC is a parallel to SAARC, their similarities and differences, and how BIMSTEC serves Indian foreign policy goals.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Is it parallel: no, different geography and focus, but often seen as an alternative given SAARC's stalemate since 2016≈35 words
  2. 2Similarities and differences: members (BIMSTEC has Myanmar and Thailand, no Pakistan or Afghanistan), sectoral approach, Charter (2022)≈35 words
  3. 3Indian objectives: Act East and Neighbourhood First, Bay of Bengal connectivity, counter-terror, isolating Pakistan≈35 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Answer part oneTable of similarities and differencesIndian objectivesChallengesConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Skipping one of the three parts
  • Not mentioning the BIMSTEC Charter (2022)

Draw this

  • Comparison table: SAARC vs BIMSTEC

Value addition

  • FactBIMSTEC Charter was adopted at the Colombo summit in 2022, giving it legal personality.BIMSTEC Secretariat
  • FactSAARC summit has not been held since 2014; the 2016 Islamabad summit was cancelled after the Uri attack.Ministry of External Affairs

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