ISLAMABAD, July 1: Japan has been quietly lobbying for a berth in the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (Saarc) and is expected to apply for its membership once it secures support of all member states, Dawn has learnt through relevant diplomatic sources.

These sources claimed that Japan had been engaged in quiet diplomacy with the Saarc member states to promote the idea of its participation in this regional grouping.

“The Japanese look at Saarc as a productive economic forum and believe that being part of it will increase their influence in the region,” was an explanation given by a senior diplomat for Japan’s keenness to join Saarc.

Japan’s interest in securing Saarc membership is also reflective of its willingness to play a more active role in international politics now.

A senior official told Dawn that Japan had been very eager that Saarc process was not disrupted and that the 12th summit was held in January.

He said Japanese foreign minister had been planning to visit Pakistan when the next summit had been last proposed to convene, to interact with Saarc foreign ministers. However, she dropped the idea when the summit was postponed due to non- confirmation of participation by India.

While all Saarc countries have reportedly been receptive to the idea of Japan joining the grouping, India has been strongly opposed to it.

India, which sees it as a clash of economic interest, feels that its status would be eclipsed if Japan were allowed to join Saarc, diplomatic sources said.

“India fears that its importance would be reduced as Japan would take the centre stage,” the sources said. “India considers Saarc its turf and wants to exercise a veto,” they said.

However, other Saarc countries welcome the idea. They think that Japan, being an influential economic power whose word carries weight in the world politics, would be an effective counterweight to the Indian domination in the region.

“Japan has been showing interest in joining the regional organization for a very long time,” officials said.

The Japanese government established a Saarc-Japan Special Fund in 1993. The fund has two components: One to be used to finance selected programmes and activities identified and managed by member states and the other for the programmes and activities identified by the government of Japan.

While the Japanese are working behind-the-scenes for Saarc membership, publicly they remain cautious about touching the subject.