MCQ Detailed View

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was officially founded on 8 December 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was established to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development among South Asian countries through mutual cooperation and understanding.

The idea of forming a regional cooperation body for South Asia was first proposed by the President of Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman, in the late 1970s. After years of consultations, the first SAARC Summit was held in Dhaka in December 1985, where the charter was signed by the seven founding members.

Founding Members of SAARC (1985): Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan later joined in 2007 as the eighth member.

SAARC aims to strengthen collective self-reliance, improve quality of life, and promote peace and stability in the South Asian region. Despite challenges like political tensions, SAARC has played an important role in regional cooperation in areas such as agriculture, education, health, science, and culture.

Key Facts about SAARC:

• Founded: 8 December 1985


• Headquarters: Kathmandu, Nepal


• Founding Summit: Dhaka, Bangladesh


• Founding Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka


• 8th Member: Afghanistan (joined in 2007)


• Main Objective: Regional cooperation for economic, social, and cultural development


• Motto: Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity

Thus, the correct answer is 1985.