The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and political organization established in 1985 with 8 member countries and headquartered in Nepal. SAARC aims to promote cooperation through respecting sovereignty, non-interference, and focusing on multilateral issues for mutual benefit. Its objectives are to promote welfare, strengthen self-reliance and cooperation, and contribute to trust and appreciation among members. While it has achieved some economic and social goals, SAARC faces challenges like ideological differences, bilateral disputes, and suspicion between members that have limited its effectiveness.