During 1960’s and 70s the tendency towards regional arrangements became much more prominent despite many hurdles. The emergence of Bangladesh and the Simla Agreement of 1972, became the turning points towards regional cooperation. President Zia-ur-Rahaman discussed the issue of regional cooperation with the new Indian Prime Minister, Moraji Desai.

He had also informally discussed the idea of regional co-operation with the leaders of South Asian countries during the regional and international meetings. Several factors seem to have influenced President Zia-Ur-Rahaman regarding the establishment of a regional organisation in South Asia during 1975-1979.

For Zia-Ur-Rahaman’s successful contribution in the process of Regional Organisations in South Asia, he is called as the founding father of SAARC. Between 1980 and 1983, four meetings at the Foreign Secretary level took place to establish the principles of organisation and identify areas for co-operation. Several Foreign Ministers level meetings were held between 1983 and 1985.

The first meeting of Foreign Ministers in New Delhi was held on 1^st and 2^nd of August 1983. In her inaugural address, the then Prime Minister of India Mrs Indira Gandhi described South Asia as a troubled region and said “I am glad we are making a beginning, we have our political differences, but economic co-operation will give a strong impetus to closer friendship and greater stability in South Asia.

With unity, we can hope to move ahead for future freedom, peace and prosperity.” She also warned that we should be ever vigilant against the attempts of external powers influencing our functioning. SAARC marks the establishment of an Association to promote and develop co-operation. Finally, the first Summit meeting of the Heads of States or Governments of South Asian countries was held at Dhaka on 7^th and 8^th of December 1985.

Its members are 8 countries of South Asia, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Ip 2010, Afghanistan became the 8^th member of SAARC. Six observers of SAARC are China, Japan, European Union, Republic of Korea, United States and Iran.