From sharing her strengths in Digital Public Infrastructure and linking the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system with BIMSTEC member states, to proposing the establishment of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce — this is a review of India’s landmark initiatives to position BIMSTEC at the core of regional cooperation.
An Introduction to The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC):
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) recently convened its 6th Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4, 2025. This gathering marked a significant milestone in regional cooperation among its seven member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
BIMSTEC’s inception aimed to bridge South and Southeast Asia, promoting economic growth and social progress. Initially named BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation), the organisation expanded with Myanmar’s inclusion on December 22, 1997, becoming BIMST-EC. The membership further grew with Nepal and Bhutan joining in 2004, leading to the current nomenclature, BIMSTEC.
The core objective of BIMSTEC is to accelerate economic growth and social progress in the Bay of Bengal region through joint and mutually beneficial initiatives. The organisation places strong emphasis on technical and economic cooperation, especially in sectors that are critical to regional development and integration. With its Secretariat headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the organisation represents a diverse yet strategically significant region bridging two major parts of Asia.
A key priority is enhancing connectivity—both physical and digital—among member states to facilitate the efficient movement of goods, services, and people. BIMSTEC is also committed to supporting sustainable development by jointly addressing challenges like climate change and natural disasters. Security cooperation forms another pillar, with efforts to combat terrorism, transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Additionally, BIMSTEC promotes people-to-people contact and cultural exchange to deepen regional solidarity. Lastly, it underscores the strengthening of institutional mechanisms, such as regular summits and the functioning of the BIMSTEC Secretariat, to ensure effective coordination and implementation of its initiatives.
Importantly, BIMSTEC has divided its work into 14 priority sectors, with each member state acting as a lead country in one or more sectors. For instance, India leads in Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime, Transport and Communication, and Environment and Disaster Management, while Thailand takes the lead in Connectivity. This sectoral division helps focus efforts and ensures shared ownership of the initiative’s progress.
Historically — a landmark achievement for BIMSTEC was the adoption of its Charter, which endowed the organisation with a legal personality and clearly defined its vision and functions. This development streamlined operations and reinforced the organisation’s legitimacy on the international stage. In pursuit of economic integration, BIMSTEC member states committed to accelerating negotiations for a Free Trade Area Framework Agreement aimed at stimulating trade and investment within the region. Consequently, the completion of the BIMSTEC Transport Infrastructure and Logistics Study (BTILS) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided a comprehensive framework for enhancing regional connectivity.
BIMSTEC has made notable progress in combating terrorism and transnational organised crimes, exemplified by the entry into force of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crime, and Illicit Drug Trafficking. Furthermore, the organisation has focused on better management of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, enhancing the region’s resilience to natural calamities. Meanwhile, The operationalisation of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre underlined the organisation’s commitment to energy collaboration. Efforts to foster cross-border electricity trade and explore new energy corridors demonstrated a collective vision for an interconnected and sustainable energy future in the region.
Key Outcomes of the 2025 Bangkok Summit:
Bangkok, already a city of historic importance for the BIMSTEC, hosted the 6th Summit on 4 April 2025. The summit convened leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open,” reflecting a collective aspiration for inclusive development and strengthened cooperation.
The summit occurred against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. The global economy was grappling with the aftermath of a prolonged pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating energy prices. The onset of a global trade war with US President Donald Trump unleashing reciprocal tariffs only 4 days ago only exacerbated the overall outlook. Regionally, the Bay of Bengal area faced challenges including climate change impacts, transnational security threats, and the need for enhanced connectivity to boost trade and economic integration. These factors underscored the urgency for BIMSTEC member states to collaborate more closely to navigate shared challenges and harness collective opportunities.
Each member state participated in the summit amid unique national circumstances. Particularly, Myanmar, which recently experienced a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that claimed over 3,000 lives, was represented by junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, marking a rare diplomatic appearance since the 2021 military coup. His presence drew criticism from human rights organisations but also indicated an attempt to re-engage regionally amid domestic turmoil. BIMSTEC member states – India and Thailand – have dispatched life saving aid in the aftermath of the earthquake.
One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the adoption of the “Bangkok Vision 2030,” a strategic roadmap for BIMSTEC that sets out long-term priorities around economic integration, disaster resilience, digital connectivity, energy cooperation, and human security. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated that the document will serve as a blueprint for future cooperation among members of the bloc, which has a combined gross domestic product of $4.5 trillion. This vision offers a clearer, goal-oriented path to deepen institutional and infrastructural integration in the region.
In response to the earthquake that devastated Myanmar and affected parts of Thailand, BIMSTEC also fast-tracked the operationalisation of the Centre for Excellence in Disaster Management in India. This center is expected to act as a regional coordination hub for disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and post-disaster recovery.
Trade and connectivity also featured prominently on the agenda. Leaders highlighted the cruciality of completing long pending frameworks for a BIMSTEC Free Trade Area and called for greater implementation of the recommendations from the BIMSTEC Transport Infrastructure and Logistics Study (BTILS), prepared with the support of the Asian Development Bank. Strengthening regional connectivity—both physical and digital—is increasingly seen as crucial to unlocking intra-regional trade and investment opportunities. The summit also addressed energy cooperation, committing to cross-border electricity trade and joint exploration of alternative energy sources, thereby underlining BIMSTEC’s commitment to sustainable development.
Thailand has proposed the creation of a BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance intra-regional trade, and strengthen the economies of countries in the regional group. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also proposed establishing a BIMSTEC business advisory council to enhance the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region’s future growth.
India’s Heavy-Lifting:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a comprehensive 21-point action plan aimed at enhancing regional cooperation among the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member states. This ambitious plan encompasses initiatives across various sectors, including security, energy, digital infrastructure, trade, disaster management, health, agriculture, space, youth engagement, and sports.
To bolster regional security, Modi proposed hosting the inaugural meeting of the BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Mechanism in India later this year. This forum is envisioned to address pressing issues such as cybercrime, cybersecurity threats, terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking, fostering a collaborative approach to internal security challenges among member nations.
In the realm of energy, Modi highlighted the operational commencement of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru. He advocated for accelerating efforts toward electric grid interconnection across the region, aiming to enhance energy cooperation and ensure a reliable power supply among BIMSTEC countries.
Considering the transformative potential of digital technologies, India offered to conduct a pilot study to understand the specific needs of BIMSTEC countries for implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Subsequently, Modi proposed linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the payment systems of BIMSTEC member states. Such integration is expected to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions, thereby boosting trade, industry, and tourism within the region.
To invigorate economic collaboration, the establishment of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce was proposed, alongside the organisation of an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit. Moreover, Modi suggested conducting a feasibility study on promoting trade in local currencies within the BIMSTEC region, aiming to reduce dependency on external currencies and enhance economic resilience.
On disaster management and in light of the recent natural calamities affecting the region, Modi announced the establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India. This center will focus on collaborative efforts in disaster preparedness, relief, and rehabilitation. Additionally, India will host the 4th Joint Exercise of BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities this year to enhance coordinated response capabilities.
Addressing public health concerns, India committed to supporting training and capacity building in cancer care across BIMSTEC countries. In line with a holistic approach to health, Modi announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine to promote research and dissemination of traditional medical practices within the region.
The Indian Prime Minister also elucidated his country’s agenda for driving cooperation among BIMSTEC member states in agriculture and space. Modi posited establishing a Centre of Excellence for Agriculture to facilitate knowledge exchange, research, and capacity building for farmers. In the space sector, India offered cooperation in manpower training, construction and launch of nano satellites, and setting up ground stations, aiming to harness space technology for developmental purposes among BIMSTEC nations.
Modi also launched the “BODHI” initiative (BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure), aiming to train 300 youths annually in India. Scholarships at India’s Forestry Research Institute and an expanded scholarship scheme at Nalanda University were also announced for BIMSTEC students. Additionally, an annual training program for young diplomats from BIMSTEC countries will be organised to foster diplomatic skills and regional understanding.
India proposed organising the first BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival this year to promote cultural heritage and people-to-people connections. A BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit and a BIMSTEC Hackathon were announced to encourage youth innovation and exchange. In the realm of sports, India plans to host the ‘BIMSTEC Athletics Meet’ this year and the first-ever BIMSTEC Games in 2027, marking the 30th anniversary of BIMSTEC.
In light of the renewed momentum surrounding BIMSTEC and the ambitious roadmap unveiled at the 2025 Bangkok Summit, it is evident that the grouping is transitioning from a largely consultative platform to a results-oriented regional mechanism. With India taking the lead through its comprehensive 21-point action plan—spanning energy, trade, disaster management, digital infrastructure, and youth development—BIMSTEC is poised to become a central pillar of regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal. The convergence of shared interests, geopolitical urgency, and institutional maturity now presents an unparalleled opportunity for BIMSTEC to translate its vision into actionable outcomes that strengthen connectivity, foster resilience, and deliver tangible benefits to its nearly 1.8 billion people. The coming years will determine whether this momentum can be sustained, but the path forward has clearly been laid.