In the rapidly changing global environment, regional integration in South Asia has assumed a new strategic significance. As a largest economy of the South Asian region, it is imperative and right time for India to inculcate an environment of trust among SAARC partners. India stands to gain substantially from greater economic integration in the region.

1. Summit level cooperation: India has participated in all the summit level meetings. During the 16th SAARC summit held in New Delhi on 3^rd and 4^th April 2007, the leaders recognized collectively in fulfilling this in a better way with the rest of the world. The Prime Minister of India Mr. Rajiv Gandhi attended the first SAARC summit held in Bangladesh in 1985. He emphasized the core issue of economic development in the South Asian region with joint efforts.

India is committed to fastening the sense of a South Asian Identity through the SAARC process, enhancing mutual confidence in multiple areas in trying to leverage India’s rapid economic growth into win-win arrangements with her neighbors.

The change perhaps started in about 2002 in India, has gained momentum since India acquired the Chairmanship of SAARC in April 2007. Among several factors that are perhaps responsible for this positive movement, the more important one is the acceleration in economic growth in all major regional economics especially India.

2. SAARC regional Centres:

India is having two regional centers:-

1. SAARC Documentation center (SDC) in New Delhi. 

2. SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) in New Delhi. 

3. SAARC Development Fund (SDF):

India has been 6ne of major contribution to the SAARC Development Fund. The Fund has the areas of action social, economic and infrastructure. India has offered US $100 million for the SAARC fund to be utilized for projects in other SAARC countries.

4. Economic co-operation: The Agreement on SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) was signed in 1993 and four rounds of trade negotiations have been concluded. The Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (S AFTA) was signed. Creation of Export Promotion Zones and Special Economic Zones in each SAARC member country as’ pointed out by industrial bodies which enhances investment and will thus encourage Intra-SAARC investments.

5. People-to-people Countries: For strengthening cooperation in information and media related activities of the Association, the heads of National Television and Radio Organisations of member countries meet annually. The SAARC Audio-Visual exchange (SAVE) Committes disseminates information both on SAARC and its member States through regular Radio and TV programme.

6. Educational Cooperation: India proposed to create a center of excellence in the form of a South Asian University (SAU), which can provide world class facilities and professional faculty to students and researchers drawn from each country of the region. The south Asian university is established in India.