Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that India will host the first-ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on October 13, 2026. Delegations from seven member countries will attend the meeting to strengthen regional security cooperation.
Shah greeted the participating delegations and emphasised coordinated efforts to combat terrorism, cross-border crime, drug trafficking, human smuggling and cyber threats.
Member states will discuss ways to share information and improve cooperation to tackle cross-border security challenges.
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The seven countries established the regional grouping in 1997 to promote cooperation around the Bay of Bengal.
India leads BIMSTEC’s security pillar and will seek stronger collaboration against traditional and emerging threats. The meeting will mark the grouping’s first dedicated gathering of home ministers.
Bangladesh’s Home Minister is expected to skip the meeting as tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi persist. A delegation led by a senior secretary will represent Bangladesh.
Home ministers from the remaining BIMSTEC nations are likely to participate in the meeting in New Delhi.
Regional countries want stronger mechanisms to combat organised crime, illicit drug networks, human trafficking and cybercrime.
The gathering will help member nations enhance cooperation between security agencies and bolster joint efforts to tackle regional security challenges.
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
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