Amit Shah Announces First-Ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting In New Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said India will host the first-ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on October 13, 2026, bringing together representatives from the seven member countries to strengthen regional security cooperation.

In a post on X, Shah welcomed the participating Home Ministers and delegations, expressing India’s commitment to closer coordination against terrorism, transnational organised crime, drug-related offences, radicalisation, trafficking, illicit financial flows and cyber threats. He further said the meeting reflected a shared resolve to build a safer and more secure BIMSTEC region through coordinated action.

India is honored to host the First BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 13 October 2026. I extend a warm welcome to the Hon’ble Home Ministers and member state delegations.

This historic meeting underscores our shared resolve to combat terrorism, transnational organized crime, narcotics radicalization, trafficking, illicit financial flows, and cyber threats. Through decisive coordination, we remain committed to building a safer, stronger, and more secure BIMSTEC region.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 12, 2026

The meeting will focus on improving information-sharing mechanisms and strengthening cooperation between security agencies to tackle cross-border threats.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Established in 1997, the regional grouping aims to promote cooperation among countries around the Bay of Bengal.

India leads BIMSTEC’s security pillar, and the meeting marks the grouping’s first dedicated gathering of Home Ministers.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister will likely skip the meeting as tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi persist.

A delegation led by a senior secretary will represent Bangladesh, while Home Ministers from the other member states are expected to attend.

The meeting will likely provide a platform for member countries to enhance coordination against organised crime, illicit drug networks, human trafficking and cybercrime, while strengthening joint efforts to address traditional and emerging security challenges across the region.

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