The Best IAS / UPSC Coaching Prashikshan IAS! | 📢 UPCS / IAS & State PCS Coaching New Batch Starting from 07 April 2025, Enroll Now! | UPSC General Studies Coaching Online/Hybrid/Offline Course Starting from 07 April 2025, Few Seats Left! 📢 Special Discounts Available, Call Us on 9717323955 / 7388368910| Admissions Open for Academic Year 2025-26.
Login

A resurgence in the region: Regarding the BIMSTEC summit

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has recently emerged as a pivotal platform for regional collaboration among South and Southeast Asian nations. Comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, BIMSTEC aims to foster mutual growth through multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation. The recent summit in Bangkok has underscored a renewed commitment to regional integration, addressing pressing challenges, and exploring avenues for collective advancement.

Historical Context and Evolution of BIMSTEC

Established in 1997, BIMSTEC was envisioned as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, leveraging the shared cultural and economic ties among member nations. Over the years, the organization has identified 14 priority sectors, including trade, technology, energy, transportation, tourism, and fisheries, each led by a member nation. India, for instance, leads in sectors such as transport and tourism, reflecting its strategic interest in regional connectivity.
Despite its ambitious agenda, BIMSTEC’s progress has been sporadic, often overshadowed by other regional groupings, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, recent geopolitical shifts and the need for diversified regional partnerships have revitalized interest in BIMSTEC’s potential.

The Bangkok Summit: A Convergence of Challenges and Opportunities

The recent summit in Bangkok was convened against a backdrop of significant regional challenges, most notably the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar. The disaster resulted in over 3,000 fatalities and displaced more than 3 million people, exacerbating an already complex humanitarian situation. This calamity brought disaster management and humanitarian assistance to the forefront of the summit’s agenda.

A contentious aspect of the summit was the participation of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of Myanmar’s military government. His attendance marked a rare international appearance since the military’s takeover in 2021. The inclusion of Myanmar’s junta leader sparked criticism from various quarters, including Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG) and advocacy groups, who argued that his participation could be seen as legitimizing a regime widely rejected by the Myanmar populace. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the decision, citing obligations under the BIMSTEC charter to include all member states.

India’s Strategic Engagement and Vision for BIMSTEC

India’s active participation in the summit, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscored its strategic commitment to BIMSTEC as a vehicle for regional integration.

India’s engagement is driven by multiple factors

1. Geopolitical Strategy: BIMSTEC serves as a platform for India to enhance its ‘Act East’ policy, strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations and counterbalancing other regional influences.
2. Economic Interests: The Bay of Bengal region is rich in resources and offers significant trade potential. Enhanced connectivity and cooperation can open new markets for Indian goods and services.
3. Security Concerns: Collaborative efforts in areas like counter-terrorism, transnational crime, and disaster management align with India’s security objectives in the region.

During the summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of collective action in disaster response, infrastructure development, and capacity building. Bilateral discussions with Myanmar’s leader focused on cooperation in these areas, reflecting India’s pragmatic approach to regional diplomacy.

Addressing Humanitarian Crises and Disaster Management

The recent earthquake in Myanmar highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated regional response to natural disasters. BIMSTEC’s focus on disaster management aims to build a framework for collective preparedness, response, and rehabilitation. This includes sharing best practices, conducting joint exercises, and establishing rapid response mechanisms.
The summit’s discussions also acknowledged the broader humanitarian crises in the region, including the displacement of populations due to conflict and environmental factors. Member states recognized the necessity of collaborative efforts to address these challenges, balancing national sovereignty concerns with the imperative of regional stability.

Economic Integration and Connectivity Initiatives

Economic integration remains a cornerstone of BIMSTEC’s objectives. The summit deliberated on enhancing trade facilitation, reducing non-tariff barriers, and promoting investment flows among member countries. Infrastructure development, particularly in transportation and energy, was identified as critical to achieving these goals.
Projects such as the BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Master Plan aim to improve road, rail, and maritime links, facilitating smoother movement of goods and people. Energy cooperation, including grid interconnections and renewable energy projects, was also highlighted as a priority area.

Challenges and the Path Forward
While the summit signaled a renewed commitment to regional cooperation, several challenges persist:

Political Sensitivities: Diverse political systems and internal dynamics among member states can impede consensus-building and implementation of collective decisions.
Resource Constraints: Limited financial and technical resources may hinder the execution of ambitious projects, necessitating external partnerships and investments.
Institutional Framework: Strengthening BIMSTEC’s institutional mechanisms is essential to ensure effective coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of initiatives.
To address these challenges, member states are considering measures such as establishing a permanent secretariat with enhanced capabilities, creating a dedicated fund for project implementation, and fostering greater people-to-people connectivity to build a sense of regional identity.

Conclusion

The recent BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok has reinvigorated the organization’s role as a catalyst for regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. By addressing pressing issues like disaster management, humanitarian crises, and economic integration, member states have demonstrated a collective resolve to navigate shared challenges. India’s proactive engagement reflects its strategic vision for a connected and prosperous neighborhood. While obstacles remain, the path charted during the summit offers a promising trajectory towards a more integrated and resilient region.

UPSC Mains exam- questions based on the topic “A Resurgence in the Region: Regarding the BIMSTEC Summit”
(GS Paper II – International Relations)

Question 1 – “BIMSTEC has emerged as a pragmatic alternative to SAARC, offering renewed hope for regional cooperation in South and Southeast Asia. “Critically examine the strategic importance of BIMSTEC in India’s foreign policy. What are the major challenges faced by BIMSTEC in realizing its objectives?  (Word Limit- 250)

(GS Paper II – Governance & International Relations)

Question 2 -“The recent BIMSTEC Summit underlined the need for regional collaboration in disaster management and humanitarian assistance. “Discuss how BIMSTEC can serve as a platform for collective action in dealing with transnational issues such as natural disasters, climate change, and humanitarian crises. Suggest measures to enhance its effectiveness. (Word Limit-250)
( source – The Hindu Newspaper, 9 April)

Would you like to start learning with us?​

+91 7388368910

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Prashikshan IAS is a Institution which comes under Sajiteria Educational Private Limited, with a motive- “REVA” (Redefining Education Via Academy), where we want to serve, not only in suburbs / hubs, but also in the areas where we have lots and lots of students.

Quick Links

Useful Link

Our Centers

  • Jaunpur, UP

137/B – MCR Tower – 2 Gurudwara Road, Sipah Rd, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh 222001

  • Laxmi Nagar, Delhi NCR

1/53 2nd floor, near Gurudwara, Lalita Park, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, 110092

Copyright by Prashikshan IAS All rights reserved.

Facebook-f Telegram-plane Instagram Youtube