Abstract
The people of South Asia share historical, cultural, linguistic, ethnic and geographical linkages. Despite these commonalities, South Asia remains a region marred by disputes, hostilities and mistrust. Trauma of partition of India still haunts the region. This situation has held the region back in terms of development for decades while other regions in the world were able to leave their differences and bitter past behind and move towards common good. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC),which was established with the aim of taking the region out of its miseries, has so far not been able to live up to the expectations. A number of factors are responsible for keeping SAARC from achieving its full potential. However, it is time that South Asian countries, too, show maturity of being able of resolving their disputes and problems, create an environment of trust and move together towards mutual development and prosperity of the region.
