Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s commitment to the seven-nation group BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), emphasizing its crucial role in fostering economic and social development in the region.
The foreign ministers of the BIMSTEC member countries, which include Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan besides India, met with Prime Minister Modi in Delhi. This meeting marked the conclusion of their two-day retreat aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.
During the meeting, Modi expressed his support for enhancing cooperation in various fields such as connectivity, energy, trade, health, agriculture, science, security, and cultural exchanges. He stated, “Glad to meet BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers. Discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation, including connectivity, energy, trade, health, agriculture, science, security, and people-to-people exchanges. Conveyed full support to Thailand for a successful Summit,” in a post on the social media platform X.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted that Modi highlighted India’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and secure BIMSTEC region. He underscored the importance of BIMSTEC in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Look East’ policies, as well as its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Modi stressed the potential of BIMSTEC to drive economic and social growth in the region.
The PMO readout mentioned that Modi assured Thailand of India’s full support for the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit scheduled for September. This summit is expected to further strengthen the bonds among the member countries and promote collaborative efforts.
India hosted the BIMSTEC foreign ministers’ retreat to review ongoing initiatives and explore new avenues for cooperation. In his opening address, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged the grouping to inject new energy, resources, and commitment to enhance regional cooperation.
India has been working diligently to transform BIMSTEC into a dynamic forum for regional cooperation, especially as the initiatives under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) have stalled for various reasons. BIMSTEC is seen as a vital platform for India to engage with its neighbors and foster regional integration.
Under the broader policy framework of SAGAR, India has been collaborating with countries in the Indian Ocean region to ensure security and promote growth. This policy aligns with India’s efforts to strengthen BIMSTEC and enhance cooperation among its member nations.
As BIMSTEC prepares for its upcoming summit, the commitment shown by member countries, particularly India, signals a strong intent to advance regional cooperation. The focus on diverse sectors promises a holistic approach to regional development, benefiting all member nations.
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