Pandey, who succeeded Tenzin Lekphell of Bhutan, is the 4th SG of BIMSTEC and will remain in office for three years, according to a press release issued by the BIMSTEC Secretariat.

While speaking to Directors and other members of BIMSTEC Secretariat, the new SG reiterated his commitment to work earnestly and with a new vigor to translate into reality the grand vision of BIMSTEC member states.

He pledged to expand and deepen the growing cooperation amongst the BIMSTEC member States, within the framework of seven pillars of collaboration agreed by BIMSTEC Leaders.

He thanked the member States of BIMSTEC for entrusting him with the responsibility of Secretary General and sought their continued support and guidance to the Secretariat, enabling it to meet their expectations.

A career diplomat, Ambassador Pandey joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1990. Before taking over as SG, he served as the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva.

Navalsang Parmar (Dhaka)