S Jaishankar Highlights India’s Role in BIMSTEC at New Delhi Meeting
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India’s strategic alignment with the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) during a retreat in New Delhi. He highlighted the importance of BIMSTEC in India’s broader geopolitical frameworks like Neighbourhood First, Act East Policy, and SAGAR vision.
Jaishankar stated, “For India, BIMSTEC represents the intersection of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ outlook, the ‘Act East Policy’ and the ‘SAGAR’ vision. Each of these endeavours is being purposed with a specific focus on the Bay of Bengal, where collaborative potential has long remained underrealised.”
He stressed the need for rapid and effective collaboration among Bay of Bengal nations, adding, “Our challenge is to change that for the better, and to do so rapidly. The retreat is meant to exchange ideas openly, candidly and fruitfully.”
The retreat, attended by foreign ministers from BIMSTEC member countries, focused on various domains including connectivity, trade, health, and digital infrastructure. Jaishankar expressed optimism about the outcomes, stating, “Our hope is that these would be expressed as shared and ambitious BIMSTEC Vision.”
He also noted the recent developments within BIMSTEC, including the BIMSTEC Charter coming into effect from May 20. The retreat aimed to prepare strong outcomes for the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit.
BIMSTEC is a regional organization that connects countries around the Bay of Bengal to promote economic growth, trade, and cooperation in areas like transportation, energy, and counter-terrorism. It includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Each member nation leads specific sectors: Bangladesh focuses on trade and the blue economy, Sri Lanka on science and health, Bhutan on environment and climate change, India on security and disaster management, Myanmar on agriculture and food security, Nepal on cultural exchange and poverty reduction, and Thailand on connectivity.
With a commitment to mutual assistance and joint projects, BIMSTEC aims to improve living standards and promote inclusive growth across the Bay of Bengal region.