Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid out an ambitious plan to transform the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) into a powerful force for regional collaboration, connectivity, and prosperity. Speaking at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, he announced over 20 strategic initiatives across security, digital payments, energy, trade, healthcare, disaster management, and youth development, aiming to strengthen bonds among the seven member countries.
Narendra Modi emphasized that BIMSTEC is not just a regional grouping but a bridge uniting South and Southeast Asia, driving inclusive development and shared security. He lauded the enforcement of the BIMSTEC Charter last year and expressed confidence in the newly adopted “Bangkok Vision 2030,” calling it a significant step toward building a prosperous and secure Bay of Bengal region.
Security and Digital Integration
To boost collective security, Narendra Modi proposed institutionalizing the Home Ministers’ mechanism to counter cybercrime, terrorism, drug and human trafficking. India will host the first meeting of this forum later this year. On digital connectivity, he announced plans to integrate India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the payment systems of BIMSTEC countries. This move aims to ease transactions in trade, tourism, and industry, promoting economic activity across borders.
He also pitched for physical, digital, and energy connectivity, suggesting accelerated work on electric grid interconnections. A Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre will be set up to enhance coordination on maritime security and innovation. On trade, Narendra Modi proposed a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and an annual Business Summit to encourage economic partnerships, along with a feasibility study for local currency trade among members.
Development, Disaster Response, and Youth Empowerment
Narendra Modi announced a series of developmental projects including a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India and the hosting of a joint disaster response exercise later this year. In health, India will train professionals in cancer care and promote traditional medicine through a dedicated centre. Agriculture-focused knowledge exchange and research will also be supported.
He unveiled the BODHI programme to train 300 youth from member nations annually, along with scholarships at premier Indian institutes. For cultural and youth engagement, India will host a Traditional Music Festival, a Young Leaders’ Summit, Hackathon, and Young Professional Visitors Programme. Additionally, India will organize a BIMSTEC Athletics Meet in 2025 and host the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027, marking the 30th anniversary of the forum.
