Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid out a sweeping 21-point action plan at the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. The plan outlined a bold roadmap to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors among member nations.
Positioning India as a driving force behind BIMSTEC’s renewed momentum, PM Modi’s proposals aligned with India’s core foreign policy frameworks such as ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Act East’, and the broader Indo-Pacific vision.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “BIMSTEC is an important forum to further global good. It is imperative we strengthen it and deepen our engagement. In this context, I proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of our cooperation.”
Among the key economic proposals were the creation of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, the institution of an annual Business Summit, and a feasibility review for local currency trade.
“It’s time to boost business across BIMSTEC nations!” the Prime Minister added in his post.
Highlighting digital transformation as a priority, PM Modi suggested leveraging India’s technological expertise to support other BIMSTEC nations.
This includes exploring the integration of India’s UPI with regional payment systems and conducting a pilot study on sharing India’s Digital Public Infrastructure experience.
Turning to disaster preparedness in the wake of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, PM Modi announced a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that India will host the fourth joint disaster management exercise later in 2025.
To strengthen space and security cooperation, the Prime Minister proposed India host the first Home Ministers’ meeting, support satellite development and training, and offer remote sensing data for regional planning.
In the field of capacity building, PM Modi noted, “BIMSTEC has the potential to be a shining example of capacity building frameworks. We will all learn from each other and grow!”
The Prime Minister unveiled the BODHI (BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure) initiative, aiming to train 300 youths from BIMSTEC countries in India each year.
PM Modi also announced scholarships for students at the Forest Research Institute and Nalanda University, along with training for young diplomats and cancer care professionals.
Energy security and youth engagement also featured prominently.
“We will collectively energise BIMSTEC and it’s our youth who will take the lead,” the Prime Minister added.
The BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru has begun operations and will train young professionals.
PM Modi called for speeding up the regional electric grid interconnection work and announced new youth-centered initiatives like a Young Leaders’ Summit, a hackathon, and the inaugural BIMSTEC Games in 2027.
On cultural cooperation and transport connectivity, Prime Minister Modi noted, “Few things connect like culture! May cultural linkages bring BIMSTEC even closer.”
Though BIMSTEC was founded in 1997, its strategic direction shifted significantly in 2016 when PM Modi hosted a leaders’ retreat in Goa alongside the BRICS Summit.
That moment marked a turning point in India’s commitment to the group’s growth and cohesion.
Since then, India’s consistent efforts have helped BIMSTEC evolve into a vibrant regional platform.
In 2019, PM Modi invited BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony – further emphasizing India’s regional commitment.
From enhancing cross-border energy cooperation through the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru to leading disaster response efforts like Operation Brahma in the aftermath of Myanmar’s 7.7-magnitude quake, India has emerged as a first responder and proactive regional partner.
PM Modi’s action plan, however unveiled in Bangkok, reinforces India’s central role in BIMSTEC’s evolution – charting a course for regional integration driven by shared prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development.
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