India Calls for Renewed Commitment and Enhanced Cooperation Among BIMSTEC Nations
New Delhi: India, during a two-day retreat in New Delhi, called upon the seven-nation BIMSTEC grouping to inject fresh energies, resources, and renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation among the Bay of Bengal countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made this appeal while hosting his counterparts from BIMSTEC member states.
BIMSTEC, which stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, includes India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. Jaishankar emphasized the significance of BIMSTEC as a convergence of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, 'Act East Policy', and 'SAGAR' vision, particularly focusing on the collaborative potential in the Bay of Bengal region.
"We need to enhance our efforts to realize the untapped potential for cooperation in this region," Jaishankar asserted, highlighting India's proactive role in promoting BIMSTEC as an alternative forum for regional cooperation in light of stalled initiatives under SAARC.
The retreat aims to foster open and fruitful exchanges among member states, preparing robust outcomes for the upcoming BIMSTEC summit later this year, to be hosted by Thailand, the current chair. Discussions at the retreat focused on connectivity, trade, health, space collaboration, digital infrastructure, capacity building, and cultural exchanges.
Jaishankar concluded by stressing the imperative for BIMSTEC to address global and regional challenges collectively, emphasizing the urgency of enhancing capacity building and economic cooperation among member states. He underscored the need for BIMSTEC to aspire to higher goals and ambitions in fostering regional cooperation.
The retreat marks a crucial step towards revitalizing BIMSTEC's role in promoting regional integration and collaboration among the Bay of Bengal nations.