Opinion BIMSTEC marks a turning point in regional solidarity

Adding to the challenge was a new round of protectionist US trade policies — the Trump administration’s announcement of sweeping tariffs on the eve of the summit cast a shadow on global economic prospects. Nonetheless, BIMSTEC leaders used the opportunity to reinforce their commitment to regional integration, resilience, and cooperation, undeterred by these disruptions.

A vision for 2030

The summit marked a turning point with the unanimous adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030, a comprehensive framework aimed at guiding BIMSTEC’s future. The vision document draws from the recommendations of the Eminent Persons Group and sets an ambitious, yet grounded, roadmap for a prosperous, resilient, and open Bay of Bengal region. It emphasises the need to build regional capacities to address common challenges, including those arising from natural disasters, economic shocks, and geopolitical uncertainties.

The recent earthquake in Myanmar underscored the urgent need for enhanced regional disaster preparedness. India’s proposal to establish a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence on Disaster Management was accepted, aiming to improve early warning systems, build regional response capabilities, and foster collaboration in humanitarian assistance.

Economic integration: Long on promise, short on progress

The BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA) has been under discussion since 2004. At the summit, Thailand’s Prime Minister called for expedited negotiations to finally operationalise the agreement. Some progress has been made in areas like customs cooperation, but a full-fledged FTA is still a work in progress.

The stakes are high: Intra-BIMSTEC trade needs to reflect the region’s potential. A functional FTA would likely multiply trade volume, offering a much-needed buffer in an era of increasing global trade uncertainty and protectionism. Leaders agreed that a fair and inclusive trade mechanism is now essential for the region’s economic stability and growth.

Maritime and digital connectivity

A maritime transport cooperation agreement was signed at the summit, expected to streamline shipping routes, enhance mutual recognition of maritime documentation, and establish dispute resolution mechanisms. This will also include national treatment of vessels, cargo, and crew, further strengthening maritime linkages.

Thailand emphasised its Land Bridge project, an infrastructure initiative to connect the Gulf of Thailand with the Bay of Bengal. It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with India and Myanmar to complete the long-pending India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which has faced repeated delays— most recently due to the earthquake and Myanmar’s ongoing political instability.

Digital infrastructure was also high on the agenda. India’s proposal to enhance AI and digital capabilities across the region received widespread support. Leveraging these technologies for crisis response, education, and cross-border services is expected to become a key component of BIMSTEC cooperation.

Human connectivity: The soft power pillar

PM Modi introduced the BODHI initiative (BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human resource Infrastructure), aimed at fostering people-to-people ties, education, and skill development. Under BODHI, India will host training programs for BIMSTEC diplomats, researchers, professionals, and youth. Focus areas will include traditional medicine, agriculture, and education.

India also offered to support the establishment of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and host an annual BIMSTEC business summit, recognising the region’s deep-rooted civilisational and historical links.

New cultural and youth-centric programmes were announced, including the first BIMSTEC athletics meet in 2025, and the inaugural BIMSTEC Games in 2027 to coincide with the organisation’s 30th anniversary. Other upcoming events include a BIMSTEC traditional music festival, a young leaders’ summit, a hackathon, and a young professional visitors programme — some modelled after India’s experience with ASEAN.

Addressing security concerns

The summit also focused on pressing security issues. The rise in transnational crimes — especially cybercrime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking — prompted discussions on enhanced law enforcement cooperation. The BIMSTEC Convention on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime is expected to be operationalised soon. A home ministers’ group has been set up to coordinate internal threats among BIMSTEC members.

Given the recent spike in cyber incidents in Myanmar and Thailand, cybersecurity cooperation is likely to be prioritised moving forward.

Diplomacy on the sidelines

PM Modi used the summit to engage in productive bilateral meetings, including with the prime ministers of host Thailand, Nepal, chief adviser to the interim government in Bangladesh, and most notably, with senior general and prime minister of Myanmar — a rare interaction given Myanmar’s international isolation.

In this meeting, Modi reaffirmed India’s support for a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process, emphasising that military solutions were untenable and that only an inclusive political dialogue could lead to lasting peace. India’s Operation Brahma, providing emergency humanitarian relief to Myanmar after the earthquake, was highlighted as an example of India’s regional responsibility.

Challenges ahead: Bangladesh’s turn to lead

With Bangladesh assuming the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, the future of the organisation rests partly on its shoulders. However, concerns persist: Although it hosts the BIMSTEC Secretariat, Dhaka has shown renewed interest in reviving SAARC, which has been largely dormant due to India-Pakistan tensions. This shift is viewed by some as an attempt to irritate India diplomatically.

During the summit, PM Modi conveyed to Bangladesh’s leadership that while India harbours no ill will, Dhaka must act responsibly — particularly in safeguarding minority rights and refraining from inflammatory public statements. BIMSTEC’s momentum now depends on Bangladesh’s commitment to the organisation’s goals.

A regional tipping point

The Bay of Bengal remains a vital strategic and cultural space — a shared cauldron of opportunity and challenge. The Bangkok Summit demonstrated that BIMSTEC, while modest in scope, is not lacking in vision. By focusing on achievable goals — connectivity, capacity building, trade, and cultural exchange— the summit avoided grand but unrealistic declarations. The signing of the MOU between BIMSTEC and IORA at this Summit was a positive development.

As regional and global uncertainties mount, BIMSTEC offers a platform for measured cooperation rooted in mutual respect and historical ties. Whether it evolves into a vibrant engine of regional integration depends on the political will of its members — starting with the new chair, Bangladesh. The choice is clear: Carry the BIMSTEC spirit forward, or risk letting it wither in an era that desperately needs regional solidarity and shared progress.

The writer is former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia ASEAN and the African Union