India has launched the 1st BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Youth Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from February 7 to 11, 2025, marking a significant step in fostering regional cooperation and youth engagement among BIMSTEC nations.
The summit follows the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 4th BIMSTEC Summit and is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of External Affairs, and CII Young Indians (YI) as the knowledge partner.
Grand Inauguration Highlights
The official inauguration on February 8, 2025, was led by:
- Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, India
- Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat
- Smt. Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports
- Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs
The summit has brought together young leaders from BIMSTEC nations to discuss regional opportunities and challenges, reinforcing India’s commitment to ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, along with the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
Summit Theme & Key Focus Areas
The theme of the summit, ‘Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange’, emphasizes youth-driven development and collaboration across various sectors.
Over 70 youth delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, including ministers, parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, technology innovators, cultural figures, and civil society leaders, are participating in high-impact discussions.
Key agenda topics include:
- Entrepreneurship & Economic Growth
- Technology, Digital Connectivity & Cyberspace
- Sustainable Development & Climate Action
- Cultural Exchange & Social Media Influence
- Strengthening Regional Ties Beyond Borders
Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future
The summit aims to:
- Encourage youth participation in tackling major regional challenges and shaping the economic and social future of BIMSTEC nations.
- Facilitate strategic discussions to empower young leaders in policy-making, governance, and development initiatives.
- Promote cross-border collaborations for a prosperous and interconnected Bay of Bengal region.
Strengthening BIMSTEC’s Future Through Youth-Led Development
The BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 marks a pivotal step in engaging the next generation of leaders in regional decision-making and cooperation. By fostering youth-led initiatives, the summit is expected to drive economic integration, cultural exchange, and diplomatic collaboration across member states.
This initiative reinforces India’s leadership role in BIMSTEC and sets the stage for long-term youth engagement programs, strengthening the foundation for a more unified and progressive South and Southeast Asia.