SAARC
The South Asian regional grouping founded at Dhaka in 1985, stalled since 2016 by India-Pakistan tensions.
What the paper can ask
- Charter signed at Dhaka, 8 December 1985; Afghanistan joined in 2007.
- Nine observers, including China, the US, the EU and Japan. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- SAFTA took effect in 2006; the South Asian University is in New Delhi; the SAARC Development Fund is in Thimphu.
- Last summit: the 18th, in November 2014; the 19th (Islamabad 2016) was postponed indefinitely. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Why exams ask
Founding city versus Secretariat city, the number of founders and when Afghanistan joined are the standard traps.
The full story
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was created by a charter signed at Dhaka on 8 December 1985, on an idea first floated by Bangladesh's President Ziaur Rahman. Afghanistan joined in 2007 as the newest member. Its permanent Secretariat opened in 1987. It runs the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA, 2006), the South Asian University in New Delhi and a Development Fund in Thimphu.
Test yourself
1.The Secretariat of SAARC is located in which city?
Correct. The SAARC Secretariat was established in Kathmandu on 16 January 1987.
Not quite. The SAARC Secretariat was established in Kathmandu on 16 January 1987. It goes into your error book.
2.How many founding members did SAARC have when it was founded at Dhaka in December 1985?
Correct. The seven founders were Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan joined in 2007.
Not quite. The seven founders were Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan joined in 2007. It goes into your error book.