| BIMSTEC Charter First charter came into force in May 2024. It will open way to new members and observers. Adopted during the 5th summit, provides BIMSTEC with a legal personality, enabling structured diplomatic dialogue with other entities. It reaffirms India’s commitment to reflecting the Neighbourhood First and Act East policies. The charter establishes a framework for meaningful cooperation and deeper integration in the Bay of Bengal region. |
- 2nd edition of Foreign Ministers retreat of BIMSTEC is being held in Delhi.
- External Affairs Minister of India emphasized the need for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to find solutions to regional challenges internally.
- The retreat marked a landmark development as it was the first event since the BIMSTEC Charter came into effect. The organization struggled to reach a consensus on a common charter for years.
- Amidst significant developments in Myanmar, where the military junta is facing setbacks from ethnic armed organizations (EAOs).
- Myanmar’s instability has jeopardized several developmental and connectivity projects crucial for BIMSTEC countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand.
| BIMSTEC Formed in 1997 through Bangkok Declaration, BIMSTEC includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, and India. BIMSTEC secretariat is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. BIMSTEC has gained prominence amid the stagnation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which last met in 2014. Recently, Nepal’s parliament ratified the charter, enabling its enforcement. Nepal maintains that BIMSTEC is not a replacement for SAARC Previously, BIMSTEC faced challenges, including discord between Bangladesh and Myanmar over Rohingya refugees. |
- The military junta’s in Naypyidaw recently loss of control over Naungcho, a major town along a trade highway to China to the Ta’ang National Liberation Army underscores this instability.
- Currently Humanitarian aid from India to civilians is limited to displaced populations and military personnel seeking refuge in Mizoram.
- India has maintained a cautious stance on the Myanmar crisis, focusing on countering transnational crimes like cyber threats, narcotics, and illegal arms.
Dig Deeper: Read about various BIMSTEC initiatives for connectivity among member countries.
