How PM Modi Revamped BIMSTEC into a Dynamic Forum
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is revitalizing BIMSTEC, showcasing India's leadership and commitment to regional cooperation. His vision aligns with broader Indo-Pacific strategies, enhancing collaboration among member nations.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi is enhancing BIMSTEC's role in regional cooperation.
- The adoption of BIMSTEC's charter marks a significant milestone.
- India leads efforts in various sectors, including security and connectivity.
- Significant initiatives have been launched to strengthen ties.
- BIMSTEC is evolving into a dynamic and action-oriented group.
Bangkok, April 4 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and policies are revitalizing BIMSTEC, showcasing India's leadership and influence on the group's trajectory and commitment to its Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, while aligning with its broader Indo-Pacific vision.
Currently, PM Modi is in Bangkok to attend the 6th Bay of BIMSTEC Summit, where he is anticipated to unveil significant announcements regarding India's role in bolstering regional cooperation.
Although BIMSTEC was established in 1997, its development accelerated post-2016, when PM Modi initiated a crucial retreat for group leaders in Goa during the BRICS Summit.
This initiative highlighted India's leadership in propelling the group's agenda forward.
Through PM Modi's Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, along with the MAHASAGAR vision and the Vision for the Indo-Pacific, BIMSTEC has received the attention it deserves, benefiting its member nations.
The BIMSTEC Summit acts as a vital platform for enhancing regional cooperation, uniting leaders from India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Bhutan.
The focus remains on boosting collaboration in areas like connectivity, development, and regional economic integration, while also pursuing shared growth and stability.
Over the years, India has made concerted efforts to strengthen BIMSTEC as a regional bloc. In 2019, PM Modi extended a special invitation to BIMSTEC leaders to attend his swearing-in ceremony, emphasizing India's commitment to deepening ties within the group.
Recently, in May 2024, BIMSTEC adopted its charter, marking a significant milestone in institutionalizing the organization. This charter has granted BIMSTEC an international identity, defined its guiding principles, and established its institutional framework.
India has played a crucial role in reinforcing BIMSTEC's institutional foundation by appointing Indra Mani Pandey, a seasoned diplomat with extensive multilateral experience, as the Secretary-General, injecting new vigor into the group's operations. Additionally, India has pledged $1 million to the BIMSTEC Secretariat to support capacity building and institutional development.
Advancing BIMSTEC's agenda further, India hosted the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Meeting in July 2024, as well as an informal gathering of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers in New York during the UNGA in September 2024. These interactions have significantly broadened the group's scope of work.
Under India's leadership, BIMSTEC has been reorganized into seven key sectors, each spearheaded by a different member nation.
India leads the Security pillar, concentrating on establishing a robust legal framework to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crimes. Other sectors include Trade, Investment, and Development (led by Bangladesh); Environment and Climate Change (Bhutan); Agriculture and Food Security (Myanmar); People-to-People Connectivity (Nepal); Science, Technology, and Innovation (Sri Lanka); and Physical Connectivity (Thailand).
Recognizing the importance of connectivity, India has undertaken substantial initiatives to enhance physical, digital, and energy linkages within BIMSTEC. It hosts the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru, which plays a critical role in coordinating regional power grid interconnections under PM Modi's 'One World, One Sun, One Grid' vision.
Furthermore, India has facilitated disaster management cooperation, a crucial aspect considering the region's susceptibility to natural disasters.
An example of this commitment was India's prompt response under 'Operation Brahma' to assist Myanmar following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
India has also been pivotal in enhancing BIMSTEC's contribution to global sustainability efforts. It hosts the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate in Noida, which provides essential meteorological data for disaster preparedness.
Consistently prioritizing people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges, and youth empowerment within BIMSTEC, several key initiatives have been launched in recent months, underscoring India's proactive role. These include the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network launched in February 2024 and the BIMSTEC Aquatic Championship held in New Delhi in the same month.
In August 2024, the BIMSTEC Business Summit took place in Delhi, while the BIMSTEC Cultural Troupe participated in the Bali Jatra festival in Cuttack in November 2024.
Other events, such as the BIMSTEC Pavilion at the Surajkund Mela in February 2025, the BIMSTEC Youth Summit in Ahmedabad, and the BIMSTEC Youth-led Climate Change Conference in Delhi, highlight the growing engagement across various domains.
As PM Modi attends the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, his vision for the organization, initially articulated at the Goa Retreat in 2016, continues to influence its direction. Two significant decisions made in Goa are set to be formally adopted at this Summit -- the BIMSTEC Vision 2030 document and the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group report.
With India's leadership at the forefront, BIMSTEC has transformed into a dynamic and action-oriented grouping, poised to play an even more substantial role in regional cooperation and integration in the years ahead.
