The 6th BIMSTEC Summit (2025) marked a significant milestone in regional cooperation, with India playing a pivotal role in shaping the agenda.
What is BIMSTEC?
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a regional bloc of 7 nations:
South Asia: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka
Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand
Established: 1997 (Bangkok Declaration)
Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Key Focus Areas: Trade, security, energy, connectivity, and cultural ties.
Key Outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit (2025)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Theme | “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open” |
| Summit Declaration | Adoption of Bangkok Vision 2030 for regional prosperity. |
| Maritime Transport Agreement | Facilitates smoother trade and dispute resolution. |
| India’s Initiatives | – BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence (Disaster Management, Traditional Medicine, Agriculture) – BODHI Program (Skill development for youth) – BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce & Annual Business Summit |
| Cultural & Sports Initiatives | – BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (2025) – First BIMSTEC Games (2027) – Young Leaders’ Summit & Hackathon |
| Security & Connectivity | – Strengthening counter-terrorism efforts – Kaladan Multi-Modal Project & Trilateral Highway |
Why is BIMSTEC Important for India?
Act East Policy: Bridges South Asia with Southeast Asia, countering China’s influence.
Economic Integration: Potential for a BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Alternative to SAARC: Bypasses Pakistan-led SAARC deadlock.
Strategic Projects:
BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal)
BIMSTEC Energy Grid for cross-border power trade.
Security Cooperation: Joint military exercises (e.g., MILEX-18) and counter-terrorism efforts.
Challenges Facing BIMSTEC
Slow Implementation: Delays in FTA and connectivity projects.
Institutional Weakness: Lack of permanent secretariat and funding.
Geopolitical Tensions: Myanmar’s instability, India-China rivalry.
Previous BIMSTEC Summits (Key Highlights)
| Summit | Year | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2004 | Bangkok Declaration formalized BIMSTEC. |
| 2nd | 2008 | Proposal for BIMSTEC FTA. |
| 4th | 2018 | Adoption of BIMSTEC Charter. |
| 5th | 2022 | Formalized 7 cooperation pillars (e.g., Security led by India). |
