PM Modi gave momentum to the group

It is worth noting here that the special thing is that the BIMSTEC group is dependent on India’s leadership to advance its agenda. With India’s leadership, PM Modi’s focus on the Neighborhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Ocean Vision and Vision for Indo-Pacific gives dynamism to the group. Following these policies promoted by India creates new energy and benefits for its member countries.

BIMSTEC was established in 1997 but it gained real momentum only after 2016 when during the BRICS summit that year, PM Modi took a significant step by inviting the leaders of BIMSTEC countries to a special retreat in Goa. Thereafter, he personally paid special attention to strengthening the group and promoting regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. He also showed his commitment to BIMSTEC by inviting the leaders of BIMSTEC countries to his swearing-in ceremony in 2019.

BIMSTEC strengthened under PM Modi’s leadership

These steps have added new energy and purpose to the functioning of BIMSTEC with India laying special emphasis on enhancing the capabilities of the institution. India also provided assistance of US $ 1 million to the BIMSTEC Secretariat in this direction and even hosted the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July 2024. Under PM Modi’s initiative India also organised an informal meeting in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024.

The BIMSTEC Secretariat was established some time ago, but the real institutional strength of the organisation came when its Charter was adopted in May 2024. This Charter not only gave BIMSTEC an international identity but also clarified its working principles and structure. India further strengthened the functionality of the group by appointing its seasoned diplomat Indra Mani Pandey as the Secretary General.

India’s focus: Promoting regional integration for world’s benefit

For the larger global good India leads the security pillar and this has worked to create a strong legal framework to fight terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes in the region. India has placed special emphasis on enhancing connectivity in terms of physical, digital and energy. India hosts the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru which coordinates the work towards creating BIMSTEC regional grid inter-connection. This is in line with PM Modi’s ‘One World, One Sun, One Grid’ vision.

India is also working to help BIMSTEC contribute towards the global sustainability agenda. India hosts regular disaster management exercises among member countries and this aspect of the group’s collaborative work has been highly resonant due to the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. India also hosts the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate in Noida.

Expansion and thematic diversity of BIMSTEC agenda

Under the guidance of PM Modi, the agenda of BIMSTEC has expanded significantly and today, the group’s mandate is divided into seven major segments, with each country leading one segment. India leads the security sector, while other responsibilities like Bangladesh leads trade, investment and development; Bhutan leads environment and climate; Myanmar leads agriculture and food security; Nepal leads people-to-people contacts; Sri Lanka leads the sector related to science, technology and innovation; and Thailand leads the connectivity vertical.

BIMSTEC gets new direction

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been significant progress towards strengthening public relations within BIMSTEC and accelerating regional integration. Connecting youth, promoting cultural diversity and giving priority to environmental protection have been India’s main strategies. Keeping these aspects in mind, several activities have been organised under it.

BIMSTEC’s New Agenda in Bangkok

The ideas put forth by Prime Minister Modi at the 2016 Goa Retreat are now shaping the direction of BIMSTEC and two important decisions are being announced in Bangkok which are
Adoption of BIMSTEC Vision 2030

Approval of the Eminent Persons Group Report

This summit of BIMSTEC will prove to be helpful in shaping its strategic direction and will also ensure that this platform remains an important force for economic growth, security cooperation and sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal region. India is one of the four founding members of BIMSTEC, which leads regional cooperation in security, energy and disaster management.

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