How PM Modi’s Vision Revitalised BIMSTEC
For years, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) remained a dormant organisation, with little impact on regional collaboration. But under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BIMSTEC has been transformed into a dynamic and future-ready platform for cooperation and connectivity.
Through landmark policies like Neighbourhood First, Act East, and the MAHASAGAR initiative, PM Modi has reimagined BIMSTEC’s role in regional and global diplomacy. A major turning point came in 2016, when he invited BIMSTEC leaders to a special retreat in Goa alongside the BRICS summit — signaling India’s strategic commitment to the Bay of Bengal region.
Since then, his efforts have included the adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter (2024), the appointment of a seasoned Indian diplomat as Secretary-General, and India’s financial and institutional support to strengthen the BIMSTEC Secretariat. India has also actively hosted key ministerial meetings, including the Foreign Ministers’ Meet (July 2024) and an informal meet at the UNGA (September 2024).
BIMSTEC’s structure now operates across seven key pillars, with India leading the Security pillar. Focus areas include counter-terrorism, maritime cooperation, regional connectivity, energy grid integration, and disaster preparedness. India has established bodies like the BIMSTEC Energy Centre (Bengaluru) and the Weather and Climate Centre (Noida) to strengthen cooperation in energy and sustainability.
Beyond strategy and security, cultural and youth diplomacy have added vibrancy to BIMSTEC. From the BIMSTEC Aquatic Championship (Delhi) to the Cultural Pavilion at Surajkund Mela, and youth conferences on climate change, PM Modi’s focus on people-to-people ties has created a shared regional identity.
The adoption of BIMSTEC Vision 2030 and the Eminent Persons Group Report in Bangkok mark the next phase of growth. As BIMSTEC emerges as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, PM Modi’s leadership ensures that the region of the Bay of Bengal becomes a beacon of cooperation, resilience, and prosperity.
