BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers Meet Modi: Enhancing Regional Cooperation

Foreign Ministers from BIMSTEC member countries met with PM Modi to discuss regional cooperation in various sectors. Modi expressed support for Thailand's upcoming BIMSTEC Summit. The discussions emphasized connectivity, trade, and health, aligning with India's geopolitical strategies. The retreat highlighted the importance of collaboration among Bay of Bengal nations.

Foreign Ministers from the BIMSTEC member countries convened with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explore ways to bolster regional cooperation. The discussions focused on key areas, including connectivity, energy, trade, health, agriculture, science, security, and people-to-people exchanges. PM Modi assured complete support to Thailand for a successful BIMSTEC Summit. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were also in attendance.

In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi expressed his pleasure in meeting the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers and noted substantial discussions on strengthening regional ties. The Ministers have assembled in Delhi for a two-day retreat aimed at enhancing cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries. BIMSTEC, which includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, plays a crucial role in regional development.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed the Foreign Ministers for the second BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat, held in Delhi from July 11-12. Jaishankar emphasized the alignment of BIMSTEC with India's strategic initiatives like Neighbourhood First, Act East Policy, and SAGAR vision. He highlighted the untapped collaborative potential of the Bay of Bengal region and stressed the importance of rapid improvement.

Jaishankar stated that the retreat's purpose is to foster open and fruitful exchanges to prepare for the forthcoming Summit. The goal is to reinforce cooperation among Bay of Bengal nations with new energy, resources, and commitment. He noted the recent activation of the BIMSTEC Charter and the necessity of regional solutions to global challenges.

The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including connectivity, institutional building, trade and business cooperation, health and space collaboration, digital public infrastructure, capacity building, and societal exchanges. This retreat serves as a platform to prepare strong outcomes for the Summit later in the year, aiming to express an ambitious BIMSTEC Vision.

The first BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat was held in Bangkok on July 17, 2023. The Ministry of External Affairs described the retreat as an opportunity for informal discussions on broadening cooperation in various sectors like security, connectivity, and trade within the Bay of Bengal region.