The humid air of Guwahati, Assam, hung heavy with the potential of a shifting geopolitical landscape. The BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit, held September 9-11, 2025, represented more than just a symbolic gathering of youthful ambition; it underscored a growing need for strategic engagement within the Bay of Bengal region— a region increasingly defined by both opportunity and persistent instability. The summit, convened as part of India’s broader “Neighborhood First” initiative, highlights the importance of cultivating future leadership within the Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) framework. This initiative centers around seven member states: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Laos, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
The summit’s emergence comes at a critical juncture. Decades of regional cooperation, primarily driven by economic considerations, have yielded mixed results. While trade within the bloc remains relatively low—averaging around $15 billion annually—the underlying dynamics are undergoing profound transformation. China’s burgeoning influence within the region, coupled with ongoing maritime disputes, escalating climate vulnerabilities, and the proliferation of non-state actors, has created an environment demanding a more proactive and cohesive approach. The BIMSTEC framework, despite its inherent challenges, presents a potential avenue for collaborative responses to these pressures.
Historical context reveals a complex interplay of factors shaping the BIMSTEC dynamic. Established in 2002, the bloc initially focused on promoting trade and investment. However, political divergences, particularly concerning Myanmar’s human rights record and its strategic alignment with China, repeatedly stalled progress. The 2017 Colombo Process, a regional maritime security initiative, demonstrated limited effectiveness due to a lack of unified command structures and operational cooperation among member states. The summit signaled a deliberate shift towards youth engagement, recognizing the critical role young people will play in shaping the future of the region – a necessary evolution.
The summit itself involved over 80 young leaders, showcasing a diverse representation of expertise from various sectors. Key sessions revolved around topics such as sustainable entrepreneurship, design thinking solutions to climate change impacts, and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. One notable outcome was the development of several “social business prototypes,” aimed at addressing localized challenges – from disaster preparedness to rural economic development. “We’re not just talking about grand strategies,” explained Dr. Anjali Sharma, a researcher specializing in regional geopolitics at the Institute for Strategic Studies in New Delhi. “The emphasis on practical, actionable solutions, driven by young people’s insights, is a vital step towards revitalizing BIMSTEC.”
Furthermore, the summit recognized the strategic importance of North East India as a potential logistical and economic hub. The region’s connectivity to Southeast Asia, coupled with its rich natural resources and growing infrastructure, offers significant advantages for the BIMSTEC bloc. However, this potential is contingent upon addressing persistent developmental challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and ongoing ethnic tensions.
“The challenge for BIMSTEC isn’t simply about enhancing trade; it’s about building resilience – resilience to external pressures and resilience within the region itself,” stated Mr. Kenji Tanaka, a geopolitical analyst with the East-West Center, during a post-summit briefing. “The engagement of young leaders is key to fostering this resilience by promoting inclusive governance, sustainable development, and strategic communication.”
Recent data from the World Bank reveals a stark divergence in growth rates among BIMSTEC member states. India and Bangladesh continue to experience relatively strong economic growth, while Myanmar and Laos face significant headwinds due to political instability and dependence on external investment. Sri Lanka continues to grapple with a sovereign debt crisis, further exacerbating regional vulnerabilities. The summit’s emphasis on building ‘economic corridors’ attempts to leverage these divergent strengths, but requires substantial investment and robust regulatory frameworks.
Looking ahead, the short-term impact of the summit is likely to be modest. The creation of networks and the development of initial prototypes are crucial first steps. However, sustained momentum requires deeper institutionalization of the BIMSTEC framework and greater commitment from member states. Within the next six months, the focus will likely be on facilitating follow-up workshops and translating the summit’s outputs into tangible projects.
Over the next five to ten years, the significance of the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit could dramatically shift. If the bloc can successfully navigate the challenges of climate change, manage geopolitical tensions, and foster greater economic integration, it could evolve into a more cohesive and influential regional actor. However, the potential for fragmentation remains high, driven by competing national interests and the increasingly complex global landscape. The success or failure of BIMSTEC will undoubtedly serve as a test case for the effectiveness of youth-led initiatives in addressing regional security and development challenges. The imperative is clear: a generation’s ability to navigate the currents.