World

India’s Leadership Brings Fresh Momentum To BIMSTEC Under PM Modi’s Vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and strategic policies have injected renewed energy into the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), positioning India as a central force in shaping the group’s evolving agenda.

BIMSTEC has seen enhanced coherence and dynamism. This progress is driven by a convergence of initiatives such as:

  • The Neighbourhood First policy,
  • Act East policy,
  • MAHASAGAR vision, and
  • India’s Indo-Pacific strategy

India’s role has become pivotal in aligning regional priorities and unlocking new opportunities for cooperation.

The adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter in May 2024 marked a turning point by formalizing the organization’s structure and giving it global recognition.

This institutional strengthening took place under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi. It also included the appointment of seasoned diplomat Indra Mani Pandey as Secretary General.

India further supported the Secretariat with a $1 million grant, reinforcing its focus on capacity-building.

India hosted key ministerial engagements in 2024, including the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers Meeting in July. It also held an informal session on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September in New York – demonstrating its proactive engagement in steering the group forward.

BIMSTEC’s work has now been organized into seven thematic areas, with each member state leading one sector.

India heads the security pillar, playing a critical role in shaping legal frameworks to counter terrorism and transnational crimes.

Other areas include:

  • Trade and development (Bangladesh),
  • Environment and climate (Bhutan),
  • Agriculture and food security (Myanmar),
  • People-to-people contacts (Nepal),
  • Technology and innovation (Sri Lanka), and
  • Connectivity (Thailand)

India has placed strong emphasis on improving connectivity, particularly in the physical, digital, and energy domains.

It hosts the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru, coordinating regional power grid efforts aligned with the ‘One World, One Sun, One Grid’ vision.

India also leads disaster preparedness initiatives, with regular joint exercises and support through the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate in Noida.

Cultural diplomacy and youth engagement remain top priorities.

Recent events include:

  • The BIMSTEC Aquatic Championship (February 2024, Delhi),
  • The BIMSTEC Business Summit (August 2024, Delhi),
  • Participation of a cultural troupe at Bali Jatra (November 2024, Cuttack), and
  • The BIMSTEC Pavilion at the Surajkund Mela (February 2025)

Additionally, February 2025 saw the BIMSTEC Youth Summit held in Ahmedabad. A youth-led climate conference also took place in Delhi during the same month. Earlier, in 2024, the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network was launched.

The momentum seen today traces back to the 2016 Goa Retreat, when PM Modi brought BIMSTEC leaders together during the BRICS Summit.

That initiative has since set the tone for sustained engagement.

Two outcomes from that retreat – the BIMSTEC Vision 2030 and the Eminent Persons Group report – are now being introduced in Bangkok.

Though established in 1997, BIMSTEC’s transformation into a dynamic regional platform has gained traction only after PM Modi’s renewed focus post-2016.

His decision to invite BIMSTEC leaders to his 2019 swearing-in underscored India’s commitment to nurturing the regional bloc as a cornerstone of cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

Also Read: PM Modi Bats For Stronger Regional Ties At BIMSTEC Summit In Bangkok

Mankrit Kaur

Recent Posts

World Leaders Head To Rome For funeral Of Pope Francis

Indian President Droupadi Murmu will also attend, representing India alongside Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister…

44 mins ago

Centre Tells Supreme Court Waqf Act Amendments Aim To Stop Land Encroachment

The Centre told the Supreme Court that it amended the Waqf Act, 1995, to stop…

3 hours ago

PM Modi, Amit Shah Mourn Passing of Dr K Kasturirangan; Hail His Contributions To Science & Education

PM Modi and Amit Shah mourn the passing of Dr K Kasturirangan, praising his leadership…

4 hours ago

Rahul Gandhi Meets Pahalgam Terror Victims In Kashmir; Supports Govt’s Action Against Attackers

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Kashmir on Friday and met civilians injured in the…

4 hours ago

Amit Shah Directs Chief Ministers To Identify Pakistani Nationals; India Suspends Indus Water Treaty

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday urged Chief Ministers to identify and promptly deport…

5 hours ago

Adani Sportsline Launches Basketball Summer Camp 2025 In Ahmedabad

Adani Sportsline has announced its 2025 Basketball Summer Camp, set for 1-31 May at Sabarmati…

6 hours ago