ABSTRACT
At the time of its inception, the leaders of the SAARC member states hoped that the Association would establish much-needed confidence-building measures (CBMs), as reflected in the First SAARC Summit declaration (Dhaka, 1985): “periodic meetings at their level were central to the promotion of mutual trust, confidence and cooperation among their countries” (SAARC 2008c:3). Moreover, the leaders at the same meeting recognised that “peace and security” were essential for achieving the objectives of human welfare in South Asia (SAARC 2008c:3). This clearly indicates an understanding among the member states of a strong correlation between the human and traditional security issues.
