The recent participation of India’s External Affairs Minister in the 17th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has been a notable event. This ministerial meeting, presided over by Sri Lanka, was conducted via virtual means.
India’s Stance at the Meeting
India underlines its commitment to bolster regional cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework. The aim is to strengthen the organization, making it more vibrant, effective, and results-driven. The progress achieved so far in sectors where India takes the lead had been highlighted. These sectors include Counter Terrorism and Trans-national Crime, Transport and Communication, Tourism, and Environmental and Disaster management.
The Importance of Robust Connectivity
India stressed that robust connectivity is a necessary component for the economic integration of the region. It facilitates seamless cross-border movement of both people and goods.
Outcome of The Meeting
At the meeting’s conclusion, the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity garnered endorsement for adoption at the forthcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Sri Lanka. India’s northeastern states will play a vital role in this master plan with several road and river links transiting through the region.
Continuing Efforts and Initiatives
Other initiatives included the early adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter and endorsement of three memorandums of understanding/agreements related to legal assistance in criminal matters, cooperation between diplomatic and training academies, and the establishment of a BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate
Mention was made of the fully operational BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate, located in India. This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide early warnings for disaster management.
Challenges Faced by the Organization
Despite these promising initiatives, there have been some hurdles in achieving full cohesion among BIMSTEC members, primarily due to the Rohingya refugee crisis that has instigated tension between Myanmar and Bangladesh.
About BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC is a regional organization comprising seven nations, five from South Asia — India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh — and two from Southeast Asia — Thailand and Myanmar. Initially dormant, it was revived a few years back as an alternative to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has been unable to progress due to disputes between India and Pakistan.
BIMSTEC’s Objectives and Functions
BIMSTEC aims to create an enabling environment for rapid economic development in the sub-region and promote collaboration and mutual assistance in common interests areas. It seeks to accelerate support in fields like education, science, and technology. Currently, BIMSTEC is involved in 15 sectors, including trade, technology, agriculture, tourism, energy, and climate change for sectoral cooperation.
Location of Secretariat
The head office of BIMSTEC is in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
