On BIMSTEC Day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended warm wishes and reiterated India’s commitment to achieving shared prosperity through a resilient and open BIMSTEC region.
His message emphasised strengthening the time-honoured links among the BIMSTEC member countries. Jaishankar posted his wishes on the social media platform X, alongside a video, expressing hopes for stronger ties within the BIMSTEC region.
In February, BIMSTEC's new Secretary General, Indra Mani Pandey, announced that an agreement on cooperation in maritime transport among member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—is expected to be finalised at the upcoming summit in Thailand later this year. This announcement underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and cooperation among the member nations.
The sixth BIMSTEC summit is scheduled to take place in 2024 in Thailand. This summit is significant for India, as it aligns with the country’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and “Act East” outlook, highlighting India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.
The BIMSTEC regional forum serves as a unique link between South and Southeast Asia, bringing together five members from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar and Thailand).
India’s commitment to BIMSTEC is evident through its active participation and leadership in various initiatives. The country aims to enhance regional cooperation in several areas, including trade, investment, technology, and sustainable development. The BIMSTEC region, with its diverse cultures and economies, offers significant potential for collaboration and growth.
The upcoming summit is expected to address critical issues such as economic cooperation, counter-terrorism, disaster management, and climate change. The member countries aim to formulate strategies to tackle these challenges collectively, ensuring regional stability and prosperity.
India’s proactive role in BIMSTEC reflects its broader foreign policy goals of fostering regional integration and enhancing connectivity. The country has been instrumental in promoting infrastructure development projects within the region, facilitating smoother trade and economic ties.
Through initiatives like the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and the BIMSTEC Motor Vehicle Agreement, India aims to improve transportation and logistics networks, further boosting economic interactions among member states.
The BIMSTEC platform also provides an avenue for cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity. India has been at the forefront of promoting cultural diplomacy within the BIMSTEC framework, encouraging greater interaction among the citizens of member countries. This approach not only strengthens bilateral ties but also fosters a sense of regional unity and cooperation.
As the region prepares for the sixth BIMSTEC summit, the member countries are expected to build on the progress made so far and explore new areas of cooperation. The summit will be an opportunity to review the achievements, address the challenges, and set the agenda for future collaborations.
India’s unwavering commitment to BIMSTEC and its vision for a prosperous and integrated region is evident through its continuous efforts and initiatives. As the member countries work together towards common goals, BIMSTEC stands as a testament to the potential of regional cooperation in achieving sustainable development and shared prosperity.
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