Viewpoint: BIMSTEC & India's Neighbourhood Policy | 15 April, 2025

Summary

At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a comprehensive 21-point action plan to enhance regional cooperation across sectors. The summit, held after a six-year gap, underscored India's leadership in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Experts discussed the significance of India's 'Act East' policy and its commitment to fostering South-South collaboration. Key issues such as connectivity, trade, digital infrastructure, and disaster management were highlighted, along with challenges in implementation. Despite regional geopolitical tensions, the summit showcased India's dedication to regional unity and sustainable development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok was a significant step for regional cooperation, held physically after a gap of six years.
• 😀 India’s 21-point action plan presented by Prime Minister Modi aims to boost collaboration in sectors like connectivity, trade, and digital connectivity within the BIMSTEC region.
• 😀 Despite political upheavals in Myanmar, Thailand, and Bangladesh, the summit was able to bring countries together, demonstrating the importance of regional cooperation.
• 😀 The launch of the Bangkok Vision 2030 emphasizes trade, investment, technology, finance, and cultural cooperation among BIMSTEC members, with a focus on creating a roadmap for future collaboration.
• 😀 India’s role in strengthening BIMSTEC was highlighted, with commitments to share its development experience in sectors like space, disaster management, and connectivity.
• 😀 There is a strong emphasis on non-traditional security threats, such as cybercrime and illegal migration, with plans to address them through cooperation among BIMSTEC countries.
• 😀 India’s initiatives like the Kaladan multimodal project and the trilateral highway are core to enhancing connectivity between India, Myanmar, and Thailand, although implementation has been slow.
• 😀 Despite challenges in implementing initiatives, India continues to offer fellowships, scholarships, and expertise in areas like education and technology to strengthen regional ties.
• 😀 There is concern about the influence of China in the BIMSTEC region, with some countries using the 'China card' in their diplomatic strategies. India’s assertive approach remains crucial to maintain regional stability.
• 😀 The future of BIMSTEC lies in greater institutional vibrancy, with a focus on trade, investment, and effective connectivity. A proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and trilateral cooperation with countries like Japan and Germany could significantly boost regional development.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok?

The Sixth BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok was significant because it marked the first physical meeting of the summit after a gap of six years, with the previous one being held virtually. Despite political upheavals in various countries, the summit successfully brought together leaders and emphasized regional cooperation amid changing global dynamics.

What was Prime Minister Modi's 21-point action plan at the summit?

Prime Minister Modi's 21-point action plan focused on enhancing collaboration across sectors within BIMSTEC countries. It included key areas like connectivity, trade, and digital infrastructure, with the aim to provide tested solutions that India had already implemented in ASEAN countries, rather than using BIMSTEC countries as test cases.

How does BIMSTEC serve India's broader strategic outlook?

BIMSTEC plays a key role in India's broader strategic outlook, especially with regard to the Indo-Pacific region. It aligns with India's 'Neighborhood First' and 'Act East' policies, reinforcing India's commitment to regional cooperation and connectivity with South and Southeast Asia.

What were some of the major achievements from the summit, as discussed by Ambassador Gurjit Singh?

Ambassador Gurjit Singh highlighted that the summit's success lay in the fact that it was held physically after six years. He also pointed out the importance of India's tested initiatives, such as connectivity projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Project and the Trilateral Highway, which were presented as solutions to the challenges faced by BIMSTEC countries.

What is the 'Bangkok Vision 2030' mentioned during the summit?

The 'Bangkok Vision 2030' reflects the vision put forth by eminent persons within BIMSTEC, which includes a roadmap for improving trade, investment, technology, finance, and culture in the region. It outlines initiatives such as maritime connectivity, disaster management, and capacity-building programs.

How does India contribute to BIMSTEC's efforts in human resources and education?

India contributes to BIMSTEC's human resource development by offering fellowships and scholarships, such as the 300 fellowships provided to students from BIMSTEC countries to study at Indian institutions. India also focuses on strengthening educational exchanges and technology transfer within the region.

What challenges does BIMSTEC face, according to the discussion?

One major challenge for BIMSTEC is the slow implementation of key projects, often due to domestic political situations in member countries. For example, connectivity projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Project have faced delays. Another challenge is the underutilization of scholarships and exchanges, especially with countries like Thailand, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

How does BIMSTEC handle the issue of regional cooperation amidst global tensions?

BIMSTEC is seen as a platform for regional cooperation that can help countries overcome global disruptions by focusing on South-South cooperation. Despite the global tensions, BIMSTEC emphasizes the need for countries to work together in addressing shared challenges like cybercrime, disaster management, and economic development.

What is the significance of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA) and how has it evolved?

The BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA) has the potential to significantly boost intra-regional trade, which has already grown from $5 billion in 2000 to $60 billion in 2023. However, despite this growth, the FTA has not made substantial progress since 2004. Moving forward, there is an emphasis on finalizing the FTA to enhance regional economic integration.

How does China’s influence affect BIMSTEC member countries, and how should India respond?

China's growing influence in the region has led some BIMSTEC countries to play the 'China card' in their foreign policies. This is particularly evident in countries like Bangladesh, where there is an increasing acceptance of Chinese involvement. India’s response should be to maintain a balanced approach, assert its regional leadership, and continue to offer support for South-South cooperation while ensuring that its own national interests and security concerns are protected.