What happened?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional cooperation. He highlighted BIMSTEC’s role in strengthening connectivity, trade, and security in the Bay of Bengal region, stressing the need for an ambitious approach amid global uncertainties. India underscored its efforts in enhancing infrastructure links, including the Trilateral Highway, and emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in energy, digital infrastructure, maritime security, and counterterrorism. He also reaffirmed India’s support for disaster response and food and energy security in the region. The meeting set the stage for the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit.
Why it matters to India
As a leading member of BIMSTEC, India sees the grouping as crucial for regional integration and economic growth, aligning with its Act East policy and Neighbourhood First approach. Strengthening connectivity and security cooperation enhances India’s strategic and economic influence in the Bay of Bengal, facilitating trade and people-to-people exchanges. The focus on counterterrorism, cyber security, and disaster response reinforces India’s role as a key player in shaping the region’s stability. The ministerial meeting sets the groundwork for concrete outcomes at the BIMSTEC Summit, advancing India’s broader regional aspirations.