India Advocates for Revitalized BIMSTEC Cooperation

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urged the seven-nation BIMSTEC group to rejuvenate cooperation and leverage untapped collaborative potential. Hosting a two-day retreat in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted BIMSTEC's importance in India's strategic policies and stressed the need for swift progress ahead of the upcoming summit in Thailand.

India called on the seven-nation BIMSTEC grouping to infuse new energies, resources, and fresh commitment to bolster cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the appeal at a two-day retreat in New Delhi.

On the first day, discussions included connectivity, trade, health collaboration, and digital infrastructure. BIMSTEC comprises India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. Jaishankar emphasized BIMSTEC's alignment with India's 'Neighbourhood First,' 'Act East,' and 'SAGAR' policies.

He urged for realizing the collaborative potential of Bay of Bengal nations. Thailand, current BIMSTEC chair, will host the annual summit later this year. Jaishankar expressed confidence in achieving practical collaborations at the forthcoming summit.