External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Summit, held over two days, with a positive assessment, calling the meetings “productive” and “highly useful.”
The summit, hosted in Delhi, was a significant gathering of foreign ministers from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries, aimed at enhancing regional collaboration.
BIMSTEC, which includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, focuses on improving regional cooperation across various sectors. The summit covered a wide range of topics, including connectivity, energy, trade, health, agriculture, science, security, and people-to-people exchanges. The goal was to identify ways to strengthen ties among the member states and address common challenges effectively.
During the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the BIMSTEC foreign ministers to discuss and support regional cooperation. He emphasised the importance of collaboration in areas such as connectivity, energy, and trade. Modi expressed full support for Thailand, the next host of the BIMSTEC Summit, ensuring that the upcoming meeting will be successful.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar highlighted the strategic importance of BIMSTEC within India’s broader geopolitical framework. He noted that BIMSTEC aligns with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, 'Act East Policy,' and 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Jaishankar stressed that the summit was crucial in preparing strong outcomes for the future BIMSTEC Summit later in the year.
The Foreign Ministers’ Retreat provided a platform for open and candid discussions among the member countries. Jaishankar pointed out that the BIMSTEC Charter, effective from May 20 this year, represents a milestone in regional cooperation.
The retreat aimed to infuse new energy and commitment into BIMSTEC’s collaborative efforts, focusing on the intersection of regional and global developments.
The first BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat, held in Bangkok in July 2023, set the stage for ongoing dialogue. This year's retreat aimed to deepen cooperation across sectors such as security, connectivity, trade, and investment. BIMSTEC, founded on principles of equality and partnership, strives to address common challenges and seize opportunities for shared growth.
Each BIMSTEC member country leads specific sectors based on their expertise. Bangladesh focuses on trade and investment, Sri Lanka on science and technology, Bhutan on environmental issues, India on security and disaster management, Myanmar on agriculture and food security, Nepal on people-to-people contact, and Thailand on connectivity.
This sectoral leadership reflects the member states’ commitment to advancing regional development.
BIMSTEC also seeks to align its goals with international and regional organisations, working towards mutual assistance and joint projects. The initiative aims to improve living standards and promote inclusive growth across the Bay of Bengal region, demonstrating a commitment to collaborative progress and sustainable development.
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