External Affairs Minister Jaishankar concludes “productive” BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Summit

As the two-day BIMSTEC foreign ministers’ retreat concluded, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday hailed the summit as “productive” and described the meetings as “highly useful”.

Foreign ministers of member countries of the Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grouping gathered in the national capital to boost cooperation among the Bay of Bengal countries.

BIMSTEC is a regional organization consisting of 7 member countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the visiting BIMSTEC member countries and discussed many issues including regional cooperation.

Apart from ways to strengthen regional cooperation, the talks also discussed improving connectivity, energy, trade, health, agriculture, science, security and people-to-people exchanges.

In the meeting, PM Modi talked about giving full support to Thailand for a successful BIMSTEC summit.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also attended the meeting.

PM said, “Pleased to meet the Foreign Ministers of BIMSTEC. Discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation including connectivity, energy, trade, health, agriculture, science, security and people-to-people exchanges. A successful Gave Thailand full support for the summit.” Modi in a post on X.

A day earlier, addressing the BIMSTEC Foreign Minister’s Retreat in the national capital, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar clarified India’s strategic alignment with BIMSTEC, and the country’s broader geopolitical framework such as – Neighborhood First, Act East Policy and SAGAR Highlighted its importance within the vision.

“For India, BIMSTEC represents the intersection of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ approach, ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘SAGAR’ approach. Each of these efforts is being undertaken with a particular focus on the Bay of Bengal, where collaborative The potential is there, Jaishankar said, “it was not realized for a long time.”

He added, “Our challenge is to change it for the better and to do it fast. The retreat is meant to exchange ideas openly, candidly and fruitfully. With this being the last such exercise in Bangkok, we Everyone benefited.”

Emphasizing the importance of the summit, he said, “It has a special importance now as it serves to prepare strong outcomes for the summit to be held at the end of the year. Our message must be clear – that we all Committed to doing.” A new commitment in energy, new resources and cooperation among the countries of the Bay of Bengal.”

Highlighting the recent developments in BIMSTEC, Jaishankar said, “The BIMSTEC Charter, for starters, has come into force from May 20 this year. Global and regional developments have also made it imperative that we find more solutions among ourselves “

The first edition of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat was held in Bangkok, Thailand on July 17, 2023. In an earlier press release, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The retreat will provide an opportunity for the foreign ministers of the countries to interact.” BIMSTEC countries, in an informal setting, will discuss ways to broaden and deepen cooperation in various areas including security, connectivity, trade and investment, people-to-people contacts, etc. in the Bay of Bengal region and coastal region.

BIMSTEC is a regional organization that connects countries around the Bay of Bengal to promote cooperation in the areas of economic development, trade and transport, energy and counter-terrorism.

It aims to strengthen relations and promote economic development among its member countries, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

BIMSTEC stands as an icon of regional cooperation, striving to achieve rapid economic growth and social progress through joint initiatives among its member countries. Founded on the principles of equality and partnership, BIMSTEC aims to address common challenges and harness shared opportunities in seven strategic areas.

Each member nation leads in specific areas, reflecting their expertise and commitment to collective advancement:

Bangladesh takes advantage of its strategic location and marine resources to lead trade, investment and development, including the blue economy.

Sri Lanka focuses on science, technology and innovation, including promoting progress in health and human resource development, research and human capital.

Bhutan leads efforts in environment and climate change, including mountain economy, which emphasizes sustainable practices to meet ecological challenges.

India undertakes security including energy and disaster management, contributing expertise in disaster preparedness and strategic energy management.

Myanmar oversees agriculture and food security, including fisheries and livestock, supporting food sustainability and rural development.

Nepal promotes people-to-people contacts, including poverty alleviation, promotion of cultural exchange and poverty reduction initiatives.

Thailand is a leader in connectivity efforts, enhancing regional infrastructure and transportation networks to facilitate seamless connectivity between member countries.

BIMSTEC also emphasizes cooperation with international and regional organizations while aligning its goals with the global development agenda to maximize impact.

With a commitment to mutual assistance, joint projects and capacity building, BIMSTEC seeks to translate its collaborative efforts into tangible benefits that improve living standards and promote inclusive growth in the Bay of Bengal region.