What happened?
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave on 14th July 2025 in Visakhapatnam. Representatives from all 7 BIMSTEC member states—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—gathered to operationalise the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC). India, which was the first to ratify the AMTC, also announced the establishment of a BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in Mumbai under IOCE-SMarT. The conclave featured sessions on PPPs, harmonising port laws, and leveraging shifting global supply chains for regional manufacturing.
Why it matters to India
India’s leadership in hosting the conclave reinforces its commitment to regional integration under the “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies. Operationalising the AMTC and establishing the Mumbai-based Centre advances India’s strategic vision for the Bay of Bengal as a resilient trade and tourism corridor. Projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit system highlight India’s drive to connect its Northeast to regional supply chains. Promoting green shipping, digital logistics, and cross-border training also enhances India’s soft power and maritime connectivity in the Indo-Pacific.