India Urges BIMSTEC to Rekindle Cooperations and Aspirations

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged the BIMSTEC group to boost cooperation and aim higher during a two-day retreat in New Delhi. India emphasized the importance of BIMSTEC as a key regional forum. The discussions included connectivity, trade, health, and space, with an eye on the upcoming summit.

In a significant appeal, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called upon the seven-nation BIMSTEC grouping to invigorate cooperation with new energies and resources. Addressing member states at a two-day retreat in New Delhi, Jaishankar emphasized that BIMSTEC should aim higher and maximize its collaborative potential.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) includes India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to BIMSTEC, linking it with India's broader 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies, along with the 'SAGAR' vision focused on regional security and growth.

The retreat's first session discussed connectivity, trade, health, and space collaboration, emphasizing capacity building and societal exchanges. Jaishankar stressed the importance of preparing strong outcomes for the upcoming summit, while Thailand, as the current chair, will host this year's annual summit.