Which among the following statements about SAARC is not correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → SAFTA was signed in 2005 and came into effect on 1 January 2007.
Option (1) SAARC is a major regional initiative by the South Asian states to evolve cooperation through multilateral means. True. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which began in 1985, is described in these very terms.
Option (2) SAARC members signed the South Asian Free Trade (SAFTA) agreement which promised the formation of a free trade zone for the South Asian countries. True. SAFTA promised a free trade zone for the whole of South Asia.
Option (3) SAFTA was signed in 2005 and came into effect on 1 January 2007. False. Both years are wrong: the Agreement was signed in 2004 and came into effect on 1 January 2006.
Option (4) SAFTA aims at lowering trade tariffs. True. SAFTA aims at lowering trade tariffs among the countries of the region.
NCERT (2026-27): “Peace and Cooperation … In spite of the many conflicts, the states of South Asia recognise the importance of cooperation and friendly relationship, among themselves. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a major regional initiative by the South Asian states to evolve cooperation through multilateral means. It began in 1985. Unfortunately, due to persisting political differences, SAARC has not had much success. SAARC members signed the South Asian Free Trade (SAFTA) agreement which promised the formation of a free trade zone for the whole of South Asia. Peace and Cooperation … A new chapter of peace and cooperation might evolve in South Asia if all the countries in the region allow free trade across the borders. This is the spirit behind the idea of SAFTA. The Agreement was signed in 2004 and came into effect on 1 January 2006. SAFTA aims at lowering trade tariffs.…” |