6th BIMSTEC Summit: Advancing Regional Cooperation in the Bay of Bengal

During the 6th BIMSTEC Summit which Thailand chaired, the Bay of Bengal countries displayed their mutual dedication to combine forces for improved regional consolidation alongside economic enhancement and disaster prevention and cultural development. Through its proactive programs such as Centres of Excellence and BODHI initiatives along with enhanced exchange programs India acts as a leader to build BIMSTEC into a unified region of economic prosperity.

• Indian Prime Minister attended a summit which Thailand headed as the chair of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. 

• BIMSTEC focused on inclusive development while emphasizing maritime cooperation and global challenges combined with the goal of becoming prosperous and resilient and open through its summit theme.

Key Highlights of the 6th Summit

• The Bangkok Vision 2030 document obtained adoption status to provide economic integration guidelines and infrastructure collaboration protocols and resilience strategies.

India's Major Announcements

• India will create four new centers under BIMSTEC's expertise programs which focus on Disaster Management, Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine and Agricultural Research.

• The DPI digital platform should be integrated as part of a pilot initiative to enhance governmental oversight and service distribution.

• BODHI Program: Skill development and capacity-building initiative across BIMSTEC nations.

• Cancer Care Program: Capacity-building support for cancer care in the region.

• A business summit organized by the Chamber of Commerce exists to develop trade between private sector entities.

Cultural and Youth Engagement

• The BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (2025) along with the BIMSTEC Games (2027) and Traditional Music Festival together with Youth Summit and Hackathon and Young Professional Visitors Program strengthen ties between the people of member nations as well as cultural bonds.

About BIMSTEC

• Founded: 1997 via Bangkok Declaration.

• Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

• Objectives: Promote economic and technical cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

• BIMSTEC's economic weight comprises the population of 1.7 billion people (22% of global population) whose combined gross domestic product stands at $5.2 trillion (2023).

Significance of BIMSTEC

• The organization supports India's Act East Policy objectives.

• Serves as an effective alternative to SAARC.

• The organization functions as a security and HADR crisis-solving platform.

• Strategic balance to China's BRI in the region.

• The Bay of Bengal Studies (CBS) institution at its headquarters supports the cultural exchange initiatives.

Conclusion

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit established major achievements in regional diplomacy by creating specific initiatives that boosted economic unification with programs for disaster response management and cultural programs. India must provide strong leadership and vision to help BIMSTEC develop into a strong sustainable regional organization as it celebrates its 30th year in 2027.