|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cooperative Development, Peace and Security in South Asia Development and security are two issues synonymous with South Asia. The world looks at the Indian subcontinent as a focal point of economic development while the regions adjoining it dominate global security concerns.
History has been a witness that whenever moves for peace and cooperation between India and Pakistan, the largest players in the region, started gaining momentum, certain events — ostensibly man-made — have put a spanner in the works. The 26/11 episode in Mumbai being the latest in the series. Studies and analysis of problems in South Asia as well as prospects of cooperative development, peace and stability point towards the need to frame a national policy on both sides. This policy should be based upon the principle of national consensus to change the mindset which has been continuously affected and conditioned by various events and misconceptions over a period of time. Owing to a long history of mistrust, complicated rules of origin, transit and non-tariff barriers, a large number of needs of South Asian countries that could have been fulfilled internally, are being catered to by East Asia and the Far East. Some experts feel that the new age entrepreneurs, who are more educated, better equipped with knowledge and professional in their approach, can help in bringing nations closer economically and socially. The foundations of a unified Europe rest on sound economics. For a harmonious and peaceful environment to prevail across borders, the peace process and cooperation movements need to transcend government and official channels, involving the entire spectrum of society. The book is based on the deliberations of a three-day international conference on Cooperative Development, Peace and Security in South Asia held at the Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID) in November 2008. It puts together a number of papers presented by diplomats, scholars, entrepreneurs and administrators from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The publication reflects diverse dimensions associated with the title and addresses issues related to trade and investment, connectivity and infrastructural linkages. The deliberations delve on the possible areas of cooperation and explore the instrumentalities to materialise the same for a secured economic future. The 10-odd papers selected for publication delve on intra-region trade, democratic practices and challenges, women as agents of change, social welfare, trade and investment relations in the SAARC region as well as some aspects pertaining to the north-east. The address by Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, foreign minister of Pakistan, lists some factors that have hindered growth in Pakistan and common areas of economic cooperation between India and Pakistan, particularly agriculture.
|
||
|
|
||
That there can be no
sustained development without security and lasting peace, is an
oft-repeated comment. Conversely, development brings in prosperity and
the urge to give up violence for a better lifestyle.