What happened?
On 15 September 2025, India hosted the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit from 9–11 September in Guwahati, Assam, highlighting the pivotal role of youth in regional development. The initiative was part of the 21-point action plan announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to strengthen cooperation among member states. The Summit, inaugurated by Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and organised in association with Bharat Scouts and Guides, brought together over 80 young leaders from all BIMSTEC member countries. Participants represented diverse sectors including politics, business, socio-cultural groups, and civil society. Over three days, sessions focused on leadership for the 21st century, entrepreneurship, design thinking, cross-cultural collaboration, and socially responsive solutions. Cultural exchanges and country-sharing sessions fostered mutual understanding and created networks of trust for future regional cooperation.
Why it matters to India
The Summit aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR visions, aiming to equip young leaders to drive policies and development initiatives, while addressing contemporary and future challenges for regional growth and prosperity. In a related initiative, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival, ‘Sapt-Sur’, in August. The festival celebrated the shared cultural heritage of BIMSTEC nations, showcasing traditional performances from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Jaishankar highlighted the role of traditional music in preserving identity, promoting mutual respect, and strengthening cultural ties within the Bay of Bengal region.