Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, represented India at the 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), hosted virtually by Thailand on December 19, 2024. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and deliberating on key areas of regional cooperation.
Progress and Priorities for Regional Cooperation
During the meeting, Senior Officials from the BIMSTEC member countries assessed the progress made since the last meeting in March 2023. They discussed various priority areas for cooperation within the region, including sustainable development, connectivity, regional security, and people-to-people exchanges. These discussions are crucial for deepening collaboration and fostering a more integrated and prosperous Bay of Bengal region.
A key highlight of the meeting was the finalization of several important Plans of Action for cooperation in specific sectors. Additionally, new mechanisms for regional cooperation were outlined, reflecting the growing ambition of BIMSTEC to address emerging challenges and opportunities. The officials also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation with external partners, aiming to boost the regional grouping’s global engagement.
Preparation for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
The meeting also touched upon preparations for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which is expected to be held in the near future. This summit will provide an opportunity for the leaders of the seven member states—India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—to further consolidate efforts towards regional integration and sustainable development. The forthcoming summit will be pivotal in charting the future direction of the organization, with a focus on fostering deeper economic and strategic ties.
India’s Commitment to a Vibrant BIMSTEC
In his remarks, the Indian delegation reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to the BIMSTEC process and its vision for a robust, vibrant, and prosperous region. India has consistently emphasized the importance of BIMSTEC in shaping the future of the Bay of Bengal and South Asian region. India’s leadership in driving regional connectivity, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation was underscored, with particular focus on advancing regional trade, infrastructure connectivity, and climate resilience.
Shri Mazumdar also highlighted India’s continued support for BIMSTEC’s role in promoting peace, stability, and development in the region, particularly as the grouping seeks to play a more active role in addressing global and regional challenges, including climate change, security, and economic growth.
A Growing Regional Partnership
As BIMSTEC continues to evolve as a key platform for regional cooperation, the 24th Senior Officials’ Meeting underscored the importance of further strengthening ties between the member states. The grouping, which connects countries from South Asia and Southeast Asia, plays a crucial role in promoting trade, connectivity, and people-to-people links across the Bay of Bengal region.
The discussions and outcomes of this meeting are expected to set the stage for more concrete actions in the coming months, paving the way for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and ensuring continued momentum for regional integration.
Looking Ahead
With its focus on economic cooperation, environmental sustainability, and shared security, BIMSTEC remains a cornerstone of India’s neighborhood first policy. India’s active role in the Senior Officials’ Meeting highlights its commitment to the collective progress of the region and its leadership in driving BIMSTEC’s vision forward. The coming years are set to witness greater collaboration and deeper integration, ensuring that BIMSTEC becomes a more cohesive and impactful regional grouping on the global stage.