The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) successfully concluded its 6th Summit in Bangkok on April 4, under the theme Prosperous, Resilient and Open (PRO BIMSTEC). The summit aimed to further integrate the region across all possible sectors of cooperation. BIMSTEC is an inter-regional organization comprising Bay of Bengal littoral states that bridges South and Southeast Asia. It was established in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration with four founding members: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The grouping later expanded to include Myanmar (1997), Nepal, and Bhutan (2004), bringing the total membership to seven. The Bay of Bengal region is home to approximately 1.8 billion people—about 22 percent of the global population—with a combined GDP of USD 5.2 trillion. Additionally, 25 percent of global trade passes through this region.

For nearly two decades, however, BIMSTEC did not receive due attention, as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was expected to lead regional integration efforts in South Asia. With SAARC paralyzed due to Indo-Pakistani tensions over terrorism, BIMSTEC naturally emerged as an alternative platform for regional cooperation.

Outcome of 6th BIMSTEC Summit

A major milestone of the summit was the adoption of the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030—the organization’s first-ever vision document—which lays out a strategic framework to transform the region into a prosperous, resilient, and open community. Another key development was the signing of an agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, aimed at enhancing trade and investment in maritime infrastructure, improving port efficiency, and harmonizing maritime policies to facilitate smooth movement of goods and services.

Leaders also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, highlighting BIMSTEC’s openness to collaboration with like-minded regional and international organizations. Following the adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter at the Colombo Summit in 2022, this summit further strengthened the institutional framework by adopting “Rules of Procedure.” Additionally, the formation of an Eminent Persons Group on the Future Direction of BIMSTEC marked another significant step, offering comprehensive recommendations for the organization’s future.

Through these initiatives, BIMSTEC is reaffirming its role as a key vehicle for regional integration in the Bay of Bengal, while responding to earlier criticisms of strategic and planning inefficiencies.

India’s role in BIMSTEC

India, as the largest and most influential member of BIMSTEC, is expected to shoulder a major share of the responsibilities. Although initially skeptical about regionalism in the late 20th century, India gradually adopted a proactive stance—first through SAARC, and later, as that faltered, through BIMSTEC.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in revitalizing India’s approach to regionalism. Notably, in 2016, he hosted a BIMSTEC leaders’ retreat on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit—widely seen as a turning point. In 2019, Modi invited BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, replacing the 2014 practice of inviting SAARC leaders—clearly signaling a shift in regional priorities.

India is the largest contributor to the BIMSTEC Secretariat, providing 32 percent of its funding. At the 6th Summit in Thailand, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment by presenting 21 proposals for cooperation across multiple domains. These included establishing a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, hosting an annual BIMSTEC business summit, and conducting a feasibility study on trading in local currencies.

India also aims to leverage its digital expertise to benefit BIMSTEC partners. A pilot study has been proposed to assess the digital public infrastructure needs of member states. Crucially, India has also suggested integrating its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with regional payment systems to promote trade and tourism.

In the area of non-traditional security, India will host the first-ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ meeting later this year. On capacity-building, India has pledged to train 300 youth and young diplomats and offer annual scholarships to students from member states. Recognizing that regionalism must go beyond government-level engagement, the proposals also include initiatives to involve civil society—such as organizing BIMSTEC Athletes Meets, Traditional Music Festivals, and the BIMSTEC Games in India in 2027.

India’s active role in BIMSTEC aligns with its broader strategic objectives under the Neighborhood First and Act East policies. The organization’s goals—connecting South and Southeast Asia, enhancing trade and connectivity, and boosting cooperation in maritime and non-traditional security sectors—complement India’s own regional priorities.

Promise vs reality

Despite historical and cultural affinities, BIMSTEC’s progress has been hampered by structural and political challenges. In its 28 years of existence, only six summits have been held—reflecting a lack of political will. While auxiliary bureaucratic mechanisms operate continuously, they rely on periodic summits for strategic guidance.

A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was adopted 21 years ago but has yet to be implemented, stalling the economic integration that lies at the heart of BIMSTEC’s founding vision. In the non-traditional security domain, BIMSTEC has undertaken some initiatives—such as forming Expert Groups on Disaster Management and organizing three Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises. However, the organization failed to issue a concrete response to the recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, which resulted in 3,654 deaths. Instead, it issued a general joint statement, highlighting its lack of effectiveness during crises. Member states have provided assistance, but on a bilateral basis—further emphasizing the limitations of the grouping.

Cautious engagement

The significance of BIMSTEC is underscored not so much by the summit proceedings, but the importance given media to high-profile bilateral meetings held on the sidelines—such as those between PM Modi and leaders like Muhammad Yunus and Min Aung Hlaing. This reflects the reality that regionalism is not yet a top priority for many in the region.

India’s perceived “big brother” attitude also presents challenges. Smaller nations often harbor skepticism due to India’s dominant economic and geopolitical influence. This was evident during the first-ever BIMSTEC joint military exercise (MILEX-2018), when Nepal and Thailand chose to participate only as observers due to domestic political pressure. Such cautious engagement illustrates how smaller nations seek to balance regional cooperation with national sovereignty and neutrality.

To move forward, India must foster a more inclusive, equitable, and genuinely collaborative approach within BIMSTEC. Only then can the organization fulfill its promise of meaningful regional integration.

(The author holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of North Bengal, India. Views expressed are personal. He can be reached at roykalyan62947@gmail.com | @KalyanR37419299)