India hosted the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit in Guwahati from September 9–11, bringing together over 80 participants from all member countries of the regional grouping to discuss inclusive leadership and cross-cultural collaboration.
The summit, organised in association with Bharat Scouts & Guides, was inaugurated by Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya. Participants represented a wide cross-section of society, including political, business, socio-cultural and civil society leaders.
Over the three days, sessions focused on entrepreneurship, design thinking, and sustainable solutions, while cultural exchanges and country-sharing sessions deepened mutual understanding. The outcomes included innovative social business prototypes, improved communication and collaboration skills, and stronger networks of trust to support future cooperation.
The event also underscored the role of India’s North East as a vital land bridge connecting the Bay of Bengal region.
The summit is part of the 21-point action plan announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, aimed at strengthening the grouping. The initiative aligns with India’s ‘Neighborhood First’, ‘Act East’ and ‘MAHASAGAR’ visions for regional cooperation, preparing young leaders to drive policies and development efforts while tackling emerging challenges.
