Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presented a comprehensive 21-point action plan during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, outlining an ambitious roadmap for cooperation across various sectors among member nations. The plan reflects India’s leadership in revitalizing BIMSTEC, aligning with the country’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, and complementing India’s broader Indo-Pacific vision.
In a post on X, PM Modi shared his vision for BIMSTEC, stating, “BIMSTEC is an important forum to further global good. It is imperative we strengthen it and deepen our engagement. In this context, I proposed a 21-point action plan covering different aspects of our cooperation.”
The action plan includes a diverse set of proposals aimed at enhancing regional economic integration, digital transformation, disaster preparedness, energy security, and cultural exchanges. Among the key proposals, PM Modi stressed the need for economic integration within BIMSTEC nations. He proposed the creation of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit, and a feasibility study to enable trade in local currencies across member countries.
“It’s time to boost business across BIMSTEC nations!” PM Modi wrote, emphasizing the importance of expanding economic ties within the region.
Turning his focus to digital transformation, PM Modi urged member nations to leverage the potential of the IT sector and technological strengths. He proposed a pilot study to assess the needs of BIMSTEC countries for adopting India’s Digital Public Infrastructure model and integrating India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with regional payment systems.
Highlighting recent disasters, PM Modi called for enhanced regional cooperation in disaster management. He announced the establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India and confirmed that India would host the fourth joint disaster management exercise later this year.
Security cooperation also featured prominently in PM Modi’s proposals, including the first-ever Home Ministers’ meeting to be held in India, training through ground stations, manufacturing and launching nano-satellites, and the use of remote sensing data for regional development and planning.
In a significant step towards human resource development, PM Modi introduced the BODHI (BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure) initiative, which aims to train 300 youths annually from BIMSTEC nations in India. He also announced scholarships for BIMSTEC students at the Forest Research Institute and Nalanda University, as well as annual training programs for young diplomats from BIMSTEC countries. Additionally, the Tata Memorial Centre will support training in cancer care.
The Prime Minister also revealed plans to establish Centres of Excellence for research in traditional medicine and for knowledge exchange, research, and capacity building for farmers in the region.
Focusing on energy security and youth engagement, PM Modi highlighted the newly functional BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru, which will train youth in the energy sector. He also urged expedited work on electric grid interconnections across the region.
In a bid to foster greater youth participation, PM Modi proposed the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit, a regional hackathon, and a Young Professionals Visitors Programme. India will also host the BIMSTEC Athletics Meet later this year and the inaugural BIMSTEC Games in 2027.
Cultural ties and connectivity were also key elements in PM Modi’s proposals. He emphasized the role of cultural linkages in strengthening regional bonds, proposing the hosting of the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in India. Additionally, he announced the establishment of a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre to promote research, innovation, and policy coordination in the maritime sector.
BIMSTEC, established in 1997, has significantly accelerated its activities in recent years, particularly under India’s leadership. Following PM Modi’s invitation to BIMSTEC leaders for a retreat in Goa during the BRICS Summit in 2016, the group has gained renewed momentum. India’s foreign policy initiatives, including Neighbourhood First, Act East, the MAHASAGAR vision, and the Indo-Pacific strategy, have breathed new life into BIMSTEC, creating opportunities for greater cooperation across the region.
(With IANS inputs)
