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Why not a South Asian Union on lines of EU?

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arp2041

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In today's world of globalization every country benefits by integrating with the global economy. South Asia can also reap the benefits of this globalization by becoming more integrated economically & politically. Why can't be there a South Asian Union (SAU) on lines of European Union (EU). This is the idea which has been mooted by many leaders & intellectuals in India such as Manishankar Aiyar, Kuldeep Nayar, etc.

I think if India takes the initiative in this respect, 5 countries can join this Union apart from India, they are Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives & Myanmar, I am not counting in Pakistan & Bangladesh because they will never join it. May be at latter stages of this Union by seeing its strength other countries can also join it. It can have the following features:

1. Visa free travel.
2. No duty on goods & services.
3. Common currency.
4. No curb on Investments.

Also maybe at latter stages we can have:

1. Common defence structure.
2. President of SAU.
3. Parliament of SAU.
4. Common representation at world forums like UN, WTO etc.
5. Common team in Olympics.

that means first starting with an economic integration we can move towards a more political integration.

Reasons for countries joining the Union:

1. Countries can benefit from the booming Indian economy in every respect such as infrastructure, tourism, telecommunication, etc.
2. The whole region cherish a common culture & origins which can integrate the region.
3. Bhutan & Nepal already has many features of this(like currency & visa free regime). Maldives may join the Union because it is a very small country & will bear the consequences of global warming because it is speculated to be completely drown by rising sea levels in half a century. So it needs an integration with SAU it can save its population.
4. Myanmar though part of ASEAN is being included because if one remembers it was part of British India till 1937 & also cherish the same Buddhist heritage started in India. By integrating with SAU it can restore the international confidence & remove the sanctions it faces.
5. Common currency if become stronger with time can also become a reserve currency which will benefit the region as a whole.
6. It is predicted that India can become the one of the top three economic powers by the year 2030, this economic powerhouse that India will become can be a great boom to other countries in the region.
7. The demands of the SAU will be more payed heed to in the international arena than each country individually.
8. By having a common defense structure the region can better save itself from outside threats.

your thoughts?
 
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Good thinking, but not practical
 
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Bangladesh will definitely join it. Pakistan is a central Asian state and hence it wouldn't be in order for Pakistan to join it.

We should actively create a trade block of all the countries on the Indian subcontinent.
 
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Bangladesh will definitely join it. Pakistan is a central Asian state

South_Asia_(ed)update.PNG
 
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We already have SAARC :rofl:

All countries you mentioned trying to hurt, destroy India, how can dis be practical :bad: idea!!
 
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It is ridiculous to leave out pakistan out of such an alliance. We need to have good relations with pakistan, The entire subcontinent India-pak-afg-bd-sl-np-bhu-myn need to have better trade relations. We do-not need euro style union, we need better trade relations. India needs to play a bigger role in assisting and pro-actively helping pakistan in the areas it can. Both india and pakistan need to contribute to education and infrastructure in afghanistan.

If US dollar collapses, all the smaller countries will be in deep trouble. The only saving grace for our region would be agri-based self sustaining economy. We need stronger and dependable trade relations among ourselves
 
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What? I have heard many Pakistanis say that Pakistan should be treated as a central Asian state.

The maps do not matter. It's what the Pakistanis want that matters.

These Pakistanis are not wrong also.

Map of central asia.

Central_Asia_borders4.png


Dark Green : Traditional definition of the Middle East.

Green : G8 definition of the Greater Middle East.

Light Green : Areas sometimes associated with the Middle East.

Greater_Middle_East_(orthographic_projection).svg
 
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Single European currency came in years after the implementation of the Schengen zone and charter for free movement of goods and people. Infact, it is this free movement which laid the basis to a single currency. I dont foresee in the near future a similar situation occurring in South Asia between the major players especially India and Pakistan. Also, given the fact tht the contribution of this region, even if we consolidate all figures in world trade is miniscule and the new currency would not warrant any importance as far as world trade and business goes there seems to be no incentive to go for a single currency.
 
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We already have SAARC :rofl:

All countries you mentioned trying to hurt, destroy India, how can dis be practical :bad: idea!!

SAARC - South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation different from SAU - South Asian Union

I mentioned Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives & Myanmar(countries which have good relations with India), not Pakistan & Bangladesh.
 
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Because, we don't want:

- Terrorism

- Death

- Extremism

- More Illiteracy

- More poverty

- We don't want to derail economic growth

- No target killings
 
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Good thinking, but not practical

why not? all countries i named are small & would certainly like to gain from the economic prosperity of India so can join the Union if India take the initiative. Can you had imagined EU at the end of 1945 after WW2, but now its a reality & many nations like Turkey are dying to join it.
 
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Because, we don't want:

- Terrorism

- Death

- Extremism

- More Illiteracy

- More poverty

- We don't want to derail economic growth

- No target killings

Yeah you are self sufficient in all these especially third last. :lol:
 
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