New Delhi: The 6th BIMSTEC Summit concluded recently in Bangkok, Thailand, marking a significant step forward for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Hosted under Thailand’s chairmanship, this summit brought together leaders from seven member nations—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—to deliberate on a shared vision for the future. With the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open,” the summit emphasized regional collaboration, economic integration, and resilience against global challenges.
What is BIMSTEC? Understanding the Regional Powerhouse
Founded in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration, BIMSTEC is a unique regional organization designed to foster technical and economic cooperation among countries surrounding the Bay of Bengal. Initially launched as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation), it evolved into BIMST-EC with Myanmar’s inclusion in 1997 and was renamed BIMSTEC in 2004 when Nepal and Bhutan joined. Today, this seven-nation bloc represents 1.7 billion people—22% of the global population—and boasts a combined GDP of $5.2 trillion (2023 estimates).
Unlike other regional groupings, BIMSTEC is sector-driven, focusing on areas like trade, connectivity, security, and human development. Its Charter, finalized during the 5th Summit in Sri Lanka in 2022, solidified its framework, paving the way for ambitious initiatives like those unveiled in Bangkok.
Key Highlights of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
The 6th Summit, held on April 05, 2025, was a defining moment for BIMSTEC, with several groundbreaking outcomes that promise to shape the region’s trajectory by 2030. Below are the major takeaways:
1. Bangkok Vision 2030: A Blueprint for Prosperity
The summit adopted the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, the organization’s first-ever strategic roadmap. Dubbed “PRO BIMSTEC” (Prosperous, Resilient, and Open), this vision outlines a comprehensive plan for economic integration, enhanced connectivity, and human security. It aims to position the Bay of Bengal region as a dynamic hub of trade, innovation, and resilience by the end of the decade.
2. Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement
A landmark agreement on maritime transport cooperation was signed, aimed at strengthening connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia. This pact seeks to boost logistical efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance maritime linkages—an essential move given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean amid rising geopolitical tensions.
3. India’s Leadership in Regional Initiatives
India emerged as a driving force at the summit, unveiling a slew of initiatives to bolster BIMSTEC’s framework. These include:
- BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence: India will establish specialized centers focusing on disaster management, sustainable maritime transport, traditional medicine, and agricultural research and training. These hubs will serve as knowledge-sharing platforms for member states.
- BODHI Program: The BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure (BODHI) initiative will skill youth through training, scholarships, and capacity-building programs, targeting professionals, students, and researchers across the region.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): India proposed a pilot study to assess the feasibility of DPI in BIMSTEC nations, aiming to revolutionize governance and service delivery through technology.
- Cancer Care Capacity Building: A new program to enhance cancer treatment capabilities across member states was introduced, reflecting India’s commitment to human security.
- BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce: India pushed for the creation of a regional chamber of commerce, complemented by an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit, to foster economic integration and trade.
4. Strengthening People-to-People Ties
India announced a series of cultural and youth-focused initiatives to deepen regional bonds:
- BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (2025) and First BIMSTEC Games (2027): These events will celebrate athletic talent and mark BIMSTEC’s 30th anniversary in 2027.
- Traditional Music Festival: A festival showcasing the region’s rich musical heritage.
- Young Leaders’ Summit and Hackathon: Platforms to engage youth in leadership and innovation.
- Young Professional Visitors Program: A cultural exchange initiative to promote mutual understanding.
Why BIMSTEC Matters: Strategic and Economic Significance
BIMSTEC’s growing relevance stems from its ability to address contemporary regional challenges while aligning with the strategic priorities of its member states. Here’s why it stands out:
1. Alignment with India’s Act East Policy
For India, BIMSTEC is a cornerstone of its Act East Policy, enhancing connectivity between its northeastern states and Southeast Asia. It also amplifies India’s influence in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, where trade and security dynamics are increasingly contested.
2. A Counterweight to China’s Influence
With China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) expanding its footprint, BIMSTEC offers a platform for member states to collaborate on infrastructure and security without relying on external powers. Its focus on the Indian Ocean region makes it a vital counterbalance to Beijing’s maritime ambitions.
3. An Alternative to SAARC
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been stymied by India-Pakistan tensions, rendering it largely ineffective. BIMSTEC, by contrast, offers a functional alternative, uniting South and Southeast Asian nations in a cohesive framework.
4. Economic and Demographic Potential
Representing a massive population and a $5.2 trillion economy, BIMSTEC is poised to become a powerhouse if it can harness its collective strengths. The focus on trade, connectivity, and digital innovation at the 6th Summit underscores this potential.
5. Cultural Preservation
India’s initiatives, such as the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at Nalanda University, highlight BIMSTEC’s role in preserving the region’s intangible cultural heritage, fostering a sense of shared identity.
Challenges Facing BIMSTEC
Despite its promise, BIMSTEC faces hurdles that could impede its progress:
- Implementation Delays: Past commitments have often stalled due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and funding shortages.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Myanmar’s political instability and border issues between member states could disrupt cooperation.
- Resource Disparities: Varying economic capacities among members may hinder equitable growth.
- China’s Shadow: Balancing China’s regional influence without alienating Myanmar, a BRI participant, remains tricky.
The Way Forward: Enhancing BIMSTEC’s Effectiveness
To realize its full potential, BIMSTEC must adopt targeted measures:
- Strengthen Institutional Mechanisms: A robust secretariat and clearer decision-making processes could streamline operations.
- Boost Funding: A dedicated BIMSTEC development fund could ensure timely project execution.
- Leverage Technology: Expanding India’s DPI pilot into a region-wide framework could modernize governance.
- Deepen Security Cooperation: Joint efforts in counterterrorism, piracy, and disaster response would enhance trust.
- Engage the Private Sector: The BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce should actively involve businesses to drive economic growth.
India’s Pivotal Role at the Summit
India’s Prime Minister played a central role at the 6th Summit, reinforcing New Delhi’s leadership in BIMSTEC. From proposing cutting-edge initiatives like DPI and cancer care programs to hosting the first BIMSTEC Games, India demonstrated its commitment to the region’s prosperity. These efforts align with its broader foreign policy goals, including connectivity for its Northeast, countering China’s influence, and fostering a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
Conclusion: A Vision for 2030 and Beyond
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok has set the stage for a transformative decade. The Bangkok Vision 2030, coupled with India’s ambitious initiatives, positions BIMSTEC as a beacon of regional cooperation. By focusing on economic integration, disaster resilience, and cultural ties, the summit has laid a foundation for a more prosperous and interconnected Bay of Bengal region.
As BIMSTEC approaches its 30th anniversary in 2027, the outcomes of this summit will be closely watched. If member states can overcome challenges and implement these bold plans, BIMSTEC could emerge as a model for regional collaboration in a multipolar world. For now, the Bangkok Summit stands as a testament to the power of collective ambition—and a reminder of the untapped potential in the Bay of Bengal.
FAQs
1. What is the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, and why was it held in Bangkok?
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was a high-level meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, held on April 05, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. It brought together leaders from seven member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—to strengthen regional cooperation. Bangkok hosted the summit under Thailand’s chairmanship, reflecting its role as a key player in fostering ties between South and Southeast Asia. The theme, “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open,” highlighted goals of economic growth, resilience, and collaboration.
2. What is the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, and what does it aim to achieve?
The BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 is a strategic roadmap adopted at the 6th Summit, marking the organization’s first long-term plan. It envisions a “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open” (PRO) BIMSTEC by 2030, focusing on economic integration, improved connectivity, and human security. The vision aims to transform the Bay of Bengal region into a hub of trade, innovation, and resilience, addressing challenges like climate change, trade barriers, and regional disparities through collective efforts.
3. How is India contributing to BIMSTEC’s growth at the 6th Summit?
India played a leading role at the 6th Summit by announcing several initiatives, including:
• Establishing BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in disaster management, maritime transport, traditional medicine, and agriculture.
• Launching the BODHI Program for youth skilling and scholarships.
• Proposing a pilot study on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance governance.
• Hosting the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027 and other cultural events like a Traditional Music Festival. These contributions align with India’s Act East Policy and aim to boost connectivity, security, and cultural ties in the region.
4. Why is BIMSTEC considered an alternative to SAARC?
BIMSTEC has gained prominence as an alternative to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has been stalled by India-Pakistan tensions. Unlike SAARC, BIMSTEC excludes Pakistan and includes Southeast Asian nations like Thailand and Myanmar, enabling smoother decision-making and cooperation. It focuses on practical outcomes in trade, security, and connectivity, making it a more effective platform for India and its neighbors to address regional challenges and counterbalance China’s influence.
5. What are the main challenges BIMSTEC faces despite the 6th Summit’s success?
While the 6th Summit marked progress, BIMSTEC faces ongoing challenges:
• Implementation Gaps: Past commitments have been delayed due to funding and bureaucratic issues.
• Geopolitical Strains: Myanmar’s instability and border disputes could disrupt unity.
• Economic Disparities: Varying development levels among members may slow equitable growth.
• China’s Presence: Balancing China’s regional influence, especially via the Belt and Road Initiative, remains complex. Addressing these hurdles will be key to realizing the ambitious goals set for 2030.
