S Jaishankar Hosts 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host his counterparts for the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in New Delhi on July 11-12. The event will provide an opportunity for the Foreign Ministers of BIMSTEC nations to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including security, connectivity, trade, and investment, as well as people-to-people contacts in the Bay of Bengal region.

The first BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 17, 2023. BIMSTEC includes seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Bhutan’s Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel and Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe have already arrived in New Delhi for the retreat. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed them, noting that Dhungyel’s visit will strengthen the friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan.

Jaiswal also mentioned that U Than Swe’s visit will lead to productive discussions on regional cooperation for a prosperous, connected, and secure Bay of Bengal region.

For India, the BIMSTEC forum aligns with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, focusing on regional prosperity and stronger ties. In June, Jaishankar extended wishes on BIMSTEC Day, reiterating India’s commitment to a resilient and open BIMSTEC region.