The correct answer is: D. Thimpu
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an intergovernmental organization of eight countries in South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It was established on 8 December 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The idea of SAARC was first proposed by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1980. The first SAARC summit was held in Dhaka in 1985. The main objectives of SAARC are to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
SAARC has been successful in promoting economic cooperation in the region. The SAARC Preferential Trading Agreement (SAFTA) was signed in 2004 and came into effect in 2006. SAFTA is a free trade agreement that aims to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on trade between SAARC member states.
SAARC has also been successful in promoting social development in the region. The SAARC Social Charter was adopted in 1993. The Social Charter sets out the goals of SAARC in the areas of education, health, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment.
SAARC has also been successful in promoting cultural development in the region. The SAARC Cultural Charter was adopted in 2000. The Cultural Charter sets out the goals of SAARC in the areas of culture, art, and literature.
However, SAARC has also faced some challenges. One of the biggest challenges has been the lack of political will among member states to implement SAARC decisions. Another challenge has been the conflict between India and Pakistan.
Despite these challenges, SAARC has made significant progress in promoting economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in South Asia.