Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Expanding SAARC

Afghanistan's entry into the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, though welcome, should be subject to its progress on the internal security front. It would do well first to contain the Taliban, which is raising its head once again. The presence in SAARC of more nations where the terrorist threat is predominant may hamper the grouping's endeavour to promote peace and economic integration among its members.

Aravind Sridhar,
New Delhi

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The differences between India and Pakistan over Kashmir are hampering the growth of SAARC. The potential of SAFTA is tremendous and that is why China and Japan are keen on being a part of SAARC as observers. SAFTA can help soften borders and could also help find a solution to the Kashmir problem.

Col. (retd) Ram Gulrajani,
Chennai

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