What is the main aim of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as stated in its basic objectives and charter?

Introduction / Context:
SAARC is a regional organisation that brings together countries of South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan. Understanding its main objective is fundamental to questions on international organisations and regional groupings. While the member countries may follow different foreign policies, the central idea behind SAARC is cooperation within the region for mutual benefit.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the main aim of SAARC.
• Options include Regional Cooperation, Internal affairs, Non-alignity and Peaceful Coexistence.
• We assume knowledge that SAARC is a regional association of South Asian states.

Concept / Approach:
Regional organisations like SAARC, ASEAN and the European Union are formed to encourage cooperation among neighbouring countries in areas such as trade, culture, education and development. SAARC charter specifically mentions promoting the welfare of people of South Asia and accelerating economic growth, social progress and cultural development through joint action. Therefore, the central aim can be summarised as regional cooperation. Other terms like non alignment and peaceful coexistence describe broader foreign policy principles of many states rather than the specific organisational aim of SAARC.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.Step 2: Notice that the full form itself contains the words regional cooperation, which directly describes its main aim.Step 3: Look at option A, Regional Cooperation, which exactly matches this idea.Step 4: Option B, Internal affairs, is vague and does not capture cooperation among states.Step 5: Option C, Non-alignity, refers to the Non Aligned Movement principle of not formally aligning with major power blocs, which is separate from SAARC mission.Step 6: Option D, Peaceful Coexistence, is a general principle of international relations but not the specific stated main aim of SAARC.Step 7: Therefore, Regional Cooperation is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reading the objectives of SAARC in its charter, we find phrases about promoting welfare, accelerating economic growth and strengthening collective self reliance among South Asian countries. These aims are all forms of cooperation within the region. The very name of the organisation emphasises that it is an association for regional cooperation. Non alignment and peaceful coexistence appear in other international documents but are not the core mission statement of SAARC. This confirms that the main aim is accurately summarised as regional cooperation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Internal affairs is wrong because it does not express any positive goal and could even sound like interference in domestic matters, which SAARC does not promote. Non-alignity is wrong because that principle belongs to the Non Aligned Movement and is about relationships with global power blocs, not specifically about cooperation inside South Asia. Peaceful Coexistence is wrong because while SAARC obviously supports peace, the charter focuses on cooperation and development rather than only avoiding conflict.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse SAARC with NAM or other international principles and choose non alignment or peaceful coexistence because they look familiar. Another pitfall is not paying attention to the full form of the organisation name, which already contains a clue. To avoid mistakes, always remember that SAARC is primarily about South Asian countries working together, so the phrase regional cooperation should immediately come to mind.

Final Answer:
The main aim of SAARC is Regional Cooperation among the countries of South Asia in areas such as economic development, social progress and cultural exchange.