Map showing Member States
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | First South Asian Regional Cooperation Meeting |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | December 8, 1985 |
| Denomination | Rs. 1 |
| Quantity | 1500000 |
| Perforation | comb 13¼ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1038 Stamp Number IN 1104 Yvert et Tellier IN 853 Stanley Gibbons IN 1172 |
| Themes | Conferences | Maps | |
The South Asian Regional Co-operation (SARC), initiated in 1980, marks a significant effort among seven South Asian countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—to foster regional cooperation. Here’s a summary of its evolution and key milestones:
- Initiation and Objectives: President Zia-ur-Rahman of Bangladesh launched the initiative in 1980 to enhance cooperation based on shared historical, geographical, and infrastructural similarities among South Asian countries. The goal was to forge ahead collectively in various fields.
- Founding Principles: SARC is built on principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual benefit. These principles form the foundation for relations among member states.
- Inaugural Meetings: The first Foreign Ministers meeting was convened in New Delhi in August 1983, officially launching SARC. A declaration outlining cooperation objectives was adopted, alongside an Integrated Programme of Action, and arrangements for institutional and financial implementation.
- Areas of Cooperation: Nine key areas were identified for cooperation: Postal Services, Rural Development, Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Agriculture, Health and Population Activities, Meteorology, Sports, Arts and Culture, Telecommunications, and Transport. Technical Committees were established for each area.
- Subsequent Meetings: Follow-up meetings of Foreign Ministers were held in Male (July 1984) and Thimpu (May 1985), reinforcing political commitment and institutional frameworks for regional cooperation.
- First SARC Summit: The inaugural SARC summit was scheduled for 7-8 December 1985 in Dhaka. This summit aimed to solidify solidarity among member states and enhance the institutional structure of SARC.
- Progress and Expansion: Despite its relatively brief history, SARC had already made significant strides, generating goodwill among member countries through various cooperative activities. The summit in Dhaka marked a pivotal moment for SARC’s refinement and diversification of substantive activities.
- Commemorative Stamps: To commemorate the first SARC summit in Dhaka, the Department of Posts issued a special set of two postage stamps. These stamps symbolize the collective effort and commitment of South Asian nations towards regional cooperation and solidarity under SARC.
These initiatives underscore SARC’s role in promoting mutual understanding, collaboration, and development across South Asia, reflecting the aspirations of member states to achieve shared prosperity and stability in the region.