In a significant diplomatic stride during his visit to Thailand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a wide-ranging roadmap to bolster cooperation under the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) grouping. The proposals reflect India’s commitment to leading from the front, with initiatives spanning digital innovation, trade, disaster management, health, agriculture, youth engagement, and sports.
At the core of PM Modi’s proposals was an emphasis on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). India has offered to share its successful DPI model with BIMSTEC members, including conducting a pilot study to understand each nation’s specific needs. A key highlight was the linking of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) with BIMSTEC Payment Systems, aimed at simplifying cross-border transactions and boosting tourism, trade, and connectivity across the region.
Trade and Economic Connectivity
To deepen economic ties, India proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, enhancing cooperation among business communities. PM Modi also suggested an Annual BIMSTEC Business Summit, giving regional businesses a platform to collaborate and innovate.
India will also lead a feasibility study on promoting trade in local currencies, potentially reducing dependency on external currencies and making intra-regional trade more resilient.
Further strengthening maritime links, India proposed the setting up of a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre, with focus on capacity building, maritime research, innovation, and joint efforts on maritime security.
Disaster Management & Humanitarian Aid
Highlighting the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, India announced the establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management. This Centre will focus on collaborative preparedness, relief coordination, and rehabilitation strategies. India will also host the 4th Joint Exercise of BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities later this year.
Healthcare & Traditional Medicine
In the health sector, India extended support for training and capacity building in cancer care, along with the creation of a Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine, which will facilitate research and regional promotion of traditional healing systems.
Agriculture and Space Collaboration
Recognizing agriculture’s centrality to the region’s economies, India proposed a Centre of Excellence for Agriculture to enable knowledge sharing, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives.
India also offered collaboration in the space sector, including manpower training, the construction and launch of nano satellites, and the establishment of a ground station for BIMSTEC members.
Youth Development and Cultural Ties
One of the most ambitious aspects of Modi’s proposal was youth empowerment. The newly announced BODHI (BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure) initiative aims to train 300 BIMSTEC youths annually in India.
India will also expand scholarships at Nalanda University, offer scholarships at the Forestry Research Institute, and initiate an annual training program for young diplomats from BIMSTEC countries.
To strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties, India will host the first BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival and organize the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit this year. Additionally, a BIMSTEC Hackathon and Young Professional Visitors Programme have been announced to promote innovation and youth exchange.
Sports and Regional Spirit
In a bid to nurture regional camaraderie through sports, India has proposed hosting the first-ever BIMSTEC Athletics Meet this year. Most notably, PM Modi announced the inaugural BIMSTEC Games in 2027, to mark the grouping’s 30th anniversary.
India’s latest BIMSTEC push, anchored in inclusive growth, digital innovation, and youth empowerment, is being seen as a major step toward building a resilient, interconnected, and prosperous Bay of Bengal region. With India playing a lead role, the grouping is poised to enter a new era of strategic cooperation and development.
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