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ained-members-significance-8843569/

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met-expectations/news.html.twig
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ngkok-vision-2030-at-next-summit/article66972961.ece
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BIMSTEC

In News:
The recent announcement that the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical
and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) can now accept new members and observers
marks a significant milestone following the enforcement of its first charter on May 20,
2024. This development enhances BIMSTEC’s operational and diplomatic capacity.

What is BIMSTEC?
About:

● Establishment: BIMSTEC is an economic bloc established in June 1997 through

the Bangkok Declaration.
● Initial Members: Initially comprised of Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
● Expansion: Nepal became an observer in 1998 and a full member along with
Bhutan in February 2004.
● Current Members: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and
Bhutan.
● Permanent Secretariat: Located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Aim:

● The primary aim is to accelerate regional growth through mutual cooperation by

leveraging regional resources and geographical advantages.

Areas of Cooperation:

● Initially focused on six sectors: Trade, Technology, Energy, Transport, Tourism,

and Fisheries.
● BIMSTEC has expanded to 14 priority areas its focus areas includes:
Trade and Investment, Technology, Energy, Transportation and Communication,
Tourism, Fisheries, Agriculture, Cultural Cooperation, Environment and Disaster
Management, Public Health, People-to-People Contact, Poverty Alleviation,
Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime, Climate Change (added in 2008.).

● Member countries lead specific areas, with India leading Transport &
Communication, Tourism, Environment & Disaster Management, and
Counter-Terrorism & Transnational Crime.
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Significance of BIMSTEC
Significant Global Weightage:

● Population: 22% of the world's population lives in the BIMSTEC region

● GDP: Combined GDP close to USD 2.7 trillion
● Trade: A fourth of the world’s traded goods cross the Bay of Bengal annually
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● Economic Growth: Sustained average annual growth rates between 3.4% and
7.5% from 2012 to 2016

Growth as a Regional Forum:

● Renewed attention since October 2016, following the terrorist attack in Uri.
● India hosted an outreach summit with BIMSTEC leaders alongside the BRICS
summit in Goa.
● Post-Uri attack, several countries supported India's boycott of the SAARC summit
scheduled in Islamabad.

Regional Strategic Incentives:

● Bangladesh: Sees BIMSTEC as a platform to enhance its status

● Sri Lanka: Opportunity to connect with Southeast Asia and become an
Indo-Pacific hub
● Nepal and Bhutan: Access to the Bay of Bengal to overcome landlocked
challenges
● Myanmar and Thailand: Deeper connections with India, balancing China’s
influence, accessing India's consumer market

Significance of BIMSTEC for India

1. Regional Cooperation (Alternative to SAARC)

● Necessity for Regional Cooperation:
● With SAARC's lack of effective functioning, India needs to advance
regional cooperation through other platforms.
● Focus on Regional Cooperation:
● Unlike SAARC, which often centers around countering Pakistan,
BIMSTEC emphasizes broader regional cooperation, making it more
strategically significant for India.
2. Regional Connectivity
● Bridge between South and Southeast Asia:
● BIMSTEC serves as a crucial link connecting South Asia with
Southeast Asia, facilitating smoother transit and trade routes.
● Enhanced Intra-regional Cooperation:
● Promotes collaboration between SAARC and ASEAN countries,
strengthening economic and cultural ties across regions.
3. Alignment with India's Foreign Policy
● Neighbourhood First Policy:
● BIMSTEC supports India's policy of prioritizing relationships with
neighboring countries to ensure regional stability and growth.
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● Act East Policy:

● Facilitates India's strategic outreach towards Southeast Asian
nations, fostering economic and security ties.
4. Development of Northeast India
● Improved Connectivity and Opportunities:
● Enhances infrastructure and connectivity in Northeast India,
providing new economic opportunities and access to larger
markets.
● Support for Mountain Economy:
● Aids in the development of a sustainable mountain economy,
leveraging the region's unique geographical and cultural attributes.
5. Economic Similarities between BIMSTEC Countries
● Developing and High-growth Economies:
● Member countries share similar economic trajectories, focusing on
development and rapid economic growth.
● High Population and Sustained Demand:
● The high population in BIMSTEC countries ensures a continuous
demand for goods and services, offering a robust market for Indian
products.
● Market Expansion:
● Provides a platform for India to market its products within the
region, boosting trade and economic integration.

Crucial Against Assertive China:

● Chinese Influence: China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments in BIMSTEC
countries (except Bhutan and India)
● Countering China: BIMSTEC as a platform to push for connectivity projects
based on international norms, contrasting China's controversial practices

Peace and Navigation:

● Promoting the Bay of Bengal as open and peaceful, developing regional codes of
conduct for freedom of navigation, and limiting militarization through initiatives
like the Bay of Bengal Zone of Peace
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BIMSTEC as a Countermeasure:

● India can push for best practices in connectivity projects and maintain regional
peace.

Recent Developments
5th BIMSTEC Summit:

● Held virtually (30 Mar 2022), hosted by Sri Lanka.

● Theme: "Towards a Resilient Region, Prosperous Economies, Healthy People.”
● Outcomes:
● Adoption and signing of the BIMSTEC Charter.
● Adoption of the ‘Master Plan for Transport Connectivity.’
● Agreements signed on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters,
diplomatic training cooperation, and establishment of a technology
transfer facility.
● India’s Role: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized enhanced regional
connectivity, cooperation, and security.

BIMSTEC Aquatic Championship 2024: Fostering Regional Cooperation in Sports

Event Details:

● Host Country: India

● Venue: New Delhi
● Dates: February 5-10, 2024

Participants:

● Countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand

● Number of Participants: Over 400 sportspersons and officials
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Objective:

● Foster regional cooperation and spirit in the Bay of Bengal Region through sports.
● Showcase the emerging sports talent in the Bay of Bengal Region.
● Promote traditional games from the region on an international platform.

Significance:

● The Bay of Bengal Region boasts the largest young population globally.
● Emergence of the region as a promising pool of sports talent.
● Rich and diverse pool of traditional games gaining global popularity.

Expected Impact:

● Catalyze the development of sports in the Bay of Bengal Region.

● Promote a culture of games and sports among the youth.
● Position the region as a sports powerhouse on the global stage.

BIMSTEC Charter

BIMSTEC Charter Comes into Force: A New Era of Regional Cooperation

In News:
Recently, The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has adopted its first charter, effective May 20. This
development marks a significant milestone for the regional bloc, enabling it to accept
new members and observers and granting it a legal personality for structured
diplomatic dialogues.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

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● Struggles:
● BIMSTEC Initially struggled to achieve consensus on a common charter.
● Virtual Meetings and Charter Adoption:
● Leaders adopted the charter on March 30, 2022, during virtual meetings
under Sri Lanka's chairmanship.
● Thailand took over the chairmanship after the 5th leaders’ summit.
● Nepal’s Role:
● Nepal’s parliamentary ratification of the BIMSTEC charter paved the way
for its official implementation.

Implications:

● Legal Personality: BIMSTEC now has a legal personality, meaning it can engage
in structured diplomatic dialogues and agreements.
● Framework for Cooperation: The charter provides a legal and institutional
framework for deeper regional integration and meaningful cooperation among
Bay of Bengal countries.

This development is expected to enhance BIMSTEC’s role in regional growth and

cooperation, addressing common challenges and leveraging collective strengths.

Significance of the BIMSTEC Charter

1. Institutional Framework:
● Establishes a formal institutional structure for BIMSTEC.
● Includes the creation of a BIMSTEC Secretariat.
● Defines roles for the Secretary-General and other officials.
2. Legal Status:
● Provides BIMSTEC with a clear legal identity.
● Facilitates better cooperation with other regional and international
organizations.
3. Expanded Cooperation:
● Highlights commitment to cooperation in sectors like trade, investment,
technology, and energy.
● Broadens the scope of BIMSTEC's activities.
4. Strategic Vision:
● Articulates a vision for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in
the Bay of Bengal region.
● Aligns member states' efforts towards common goals.
5. Enhanced Credibility:
● Enhances BIMSTEC's credibility and visibility on the global stage.
● Attracts more investment and support from international partners.
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6. Conflict Resolution Mechanism:

● Includes provisions for resolving conflicts among member states.
● Promotes peace and stability in the region.
7. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
● Aligns BIMSTEC's objectives with the United Nations SDGs.
● Emphasizes sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and
environmental protection
8. India’s Commitment:
● Aligns with India's "Neighbourhood First" and "Act East" policies.
● India’s External Affairs Minister emphasized its role in promoting regional
prosperity, peace, and sustainability.

Challenges associated with The BIMSTEC Charter

1. Implementation:
● Ensuring effective implementation of the Charter's provisions across
diverse member states.
● Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and varying levels of administrative
efficiency.
2. Resource Allocation:
● Securing adequate financial and human resources for the BIMSTEC
Secretariat and other institutions.
● Balancing contributions from member states with differing economic
capacities.
3. Political Will:
● Sustaining political commitment from all member states over the long
term.
● Navigating domestic political changes that may affect member states'
participation and priorities.
4. Coordination:
● Achieving seamless coordination among member states with diverse
political, economic, and social systems.
● Harmonizing policies and regulations to facilitate cooperation.
5. Conflict Resolution:
● Effectively utilizing the conflict resolution mechanisms outlined in the
Charter.
● Addressing underlying political and territorial disputes among member
states.
6. Economic Disparities:
● Managing the economic disparities between member states to ensure
equitable benefits from cooperation.
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● Providing support to less developed members to fully participate in

initiatives.
7. External Pressures:
● Navigating external geopolitical pressures that may impact regional
cooperation.
● Balancing relationships with major global powers while maintaining
regional autonomy.
8. Sustainable Development:
● Aligning national development agendas with regional sustainable
development goals.
● Addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable
practices across member states.
9. Cultural Differences:
● Bridging cultural and linguistic differences that may hinder communication
and collaboration.
● Fostering mutual understanding and respect among diverse populations.
10.Monitoring and Evaluation:
● Establishing robust mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the
progress of BIMSTEC initiatives.
● Ensuring transparency and accountability in reporting outcomes.
11.Regional Discord:
● Issues between Bangladesh and Myanmar due to the Rohingya refugee
crisis.
● Refugee flows into Thailand following Myanmar’s 2021 coup.

Future Directions
1. Expanding Membership:
● Charter allows for new members and observers.
● Aims to enhance regional stability and economic growth.
2. Focus Areas for Cooperation:
● Connectivity: Improve infrastructure and transport linkages.
● Trade Facilitation: Reduce barriers and promote economic integration.
● Security Cooperation: Address regional security challenges.
● Agriculture: Enhance food security and agricultural trade.
● Clean Energy: Promote sustainable energy solutions.
3. Implementation and Adaptation:
● Translate commitments into actionable outcomes.
● Sustain political will and robust implementation.
● Adapt to evolving regional and global challenges.

Bangkok Vision 2030:

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Thailand has unveiled the Bangkok Vision 2030, a strategic document aimed at
transforming BIMSTEC into a prosperous, resilient, and open region. This vision sets the
stage for sustainable and balanced growth, marking a significant milestone for the
organization.

Key Objectives:

● Prosperity: The vision seeks to enhance economic prosperity within the BIMSTEC
region, fostering growth and development across member states.
● Resilience: Emphasis is placed on building resilience, ensuring the region can
withstand and recover from challenges effectively.
● Openness: The vision promotes openness, facilitating collaboration and
exchange among member states and with external partners.

Forward-looking Trajectory:

● Bangkok Vision 2030 sets BIMSTEC on a forward-looking trajectory, aligning its

goals with long-term sustainability and progress.
● By adopting this vision, BIMSTEC aims to navigate future challenges while
seizing opportunities for growth and development.

Monitoring Mechanism:

● An eminent group of persons has been established to monitor progress across

all seven sectors of BIMSTEC.
● This monitoring mechanism ensures accountability and facilitates the
implementation of the Bangkok Vision 2030.

How BIMSTEC is Different from SAARC?

1. Geographical Scope:
● BIMSTEC: Connects South and Southeast Asia, focusing on the Bay of
Bengal region
● SAARC: Focuses solely on South Asia
2. Membership:
● BIMSTEC: Includes five South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Nepal, Sri Lanka) and two Southeast Asian countries (Myanmar, Thailand)
● SAARC: Comprises eight South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka)
3. Focus and Agenda:
● BIMSTEC: Sector-driven cooperation in economic, technical, and security
areas; member states lead specific sectors
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● SAARC: Broader regional cooperation but has been hindered by political

issues, primarily between India and Pakistan
4. Strategic Orientation:
● BIMSTEC: Provides a platform for India’s strategic interests in connecting
South and Southeast Asia, countering China's influence
● SAARC: Primarily a regional organization within South Asia, less effective
due to Indo-Pakistani tensions
5. Recent Relevance:
● BIMSTEC: Gained renewed importance with India's focus post-2016 and
its proactive role in regional initiatives
● SAARC: Effectiveness diminished due to political discord, particularly the
India-Pakistan rivalry

Challenges and Limitations of BIMSTEC

Challenges:
1. Institutional Capacity:
● Limited institutional capacity and resources can hinder the effective
implementation of BIMSTEC initiatives.
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● The BIMSTEC Secretariat requires more funding and skilled personnel to

manage and coordinate activities efficiently.
2. Political Will and Commitment:
● Varying levels of political commitment among member states can affect
the momentum of BIMSTEC projects.
● Political instability and changes in government policies can disrupt
ongoing and planned activities.
3. Coordination and Integration:
● Achieving seamless coordination among member states with diverse
political, economic, and social systems is challenging.
● Harmonizing policies, regulations, and standards across member states
requires significant effort.
4. Economic Disparities:
● Economic disparities among member states can lead to unequal
participation and benefits from BIMSTEC initiatives.
● Addressing the needs of less developed member states and ensuring
inclusive growth is essential.
5. Conflict and Security Issues:
● Historical and ongoing conflicts, territorial disputes, and security concerns
among member states can impede cooperation.
● Building trust and resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy are
crucial for regional stability.
6. Resource Mobilization:
● Securing adequate financial and technical resources for BIMSTEC projects
is a significant challenge.
● Member states need to commit resources and attract external funding and
investment.
7. Infrastructure and Connectivity:
● Inadequate infrastructure and connectivity, including transportation and
communication networks, hinder regional integration.
● Developing and upgrading infrastructure requires substantial investment
and coordination.
8. External Influences:
● Geopolitical dynamics and external pressures from major global powers
can impact BIMSTEC's cohesion and autonomy.
● Balancing external relations while maintaining regional priorities is a
delicate task.
9. Environmental and Climate Challenges:
● Addressing environmental degradation, natural disasters, and climate
change impacts requires collective action.
● Promoting sustainable development and resilience in the region is vital.
10.Cultural and Linguistic Diversity:
● Diverse cultures, languages, and traditions can pose communication and
collaboration challenges.
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● Promoting cultural understanding and people-to-people exchanges is

important for fostering unity.
11.Regional Tensions:
● Ongoing discord between Bangladesh and Myanmar due to the Rohingya
crisis, and the influx of refugees into Thailand following Myanmar’s 2021
coup.
12.Geopolitical Rivalry:
● BIMSTEC is becoming a new arena for India-China competition, with China
investing heavily in most BIMSTEC countries through the Belt and Road
Initiative.

Limitations:

1. Limited Concrete Achievements

● Slow Progress Over Two Decades:
● Despite its establishment over 20 years ago, BIMSTEC has not
achieved significant milestones or impactful projects.
● 2004 FTA Framework:
● The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) framework was adopted in 2004,
but it has seen minimal implementation and progress, highlighting
the challenges in executing agreed-upon initiatives.
2. Lack of Financial Resources
● Secretariat Underfunded:
● The BIMSTEC Secretariat suffers from a shortage of financial
resources, hampering its ability to effectively coordinate and
implement projects and initiatives.
● Limited Operational Capacity:
● Insufficient funding affects the Secretariat’s operational capacity,
reducing its effectiveness in driving the organization’s agenda.
2. Infrequent Summits
● Irregular Meetings:
● BIMSTEC summits are not held regularly, leading to a lack of
continuity in discussions and delayed decision-making processes.
● Reduced Momentum:
● The infrequency of summits diminishes the momentum needed to
tackle pressing regional issues and to keep up the enthusiasm
among member countries.
3. Overextended Areas of Cooperation
● Too Many Focus Areas:
● BIMSTEC has identified numerous areas of cooperation, which
dilutes focus and resources, making it challenging to achieve
significant progress in any single area.
● Difficulty in Prioritization:
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● The broad scope of cooperation leads to difficulty in prioritizing

initiatives, causing delays and inefficiencies.
4. Leadership Challenges
● Lack of Strong Leadership:
● BIMSTEC has historically struggled with a lack of decisive
leadership to drive the organization forward and ensure cohesive
action among member states.
● Recent Indian Initiatives:
● Since 2016, India has taken several initiatives to reinvigorate
BIMSTEC, promoting greater engagement and leadership to
enhance the grouping’s effectiveness.

Way Forward for BIMSTEC

1. Deepening Sectoral Cooperation:

BIMSTEC member countries should prioritize strengthening cooperation across various
sectors including:

● Trade and Technology: Enhancing economic ties and technological exchanges

● Energy: Fostering energy security and sustainable energy development
● Transport and Tourism: Improving regional connectivity and promoting tourism
● Fisheries: Sustainable management and development of marine resources
● Security and Counterterrorism: Strengthening regional security cooperation
● Disaster Management: Enhancing joint disaster response and resilience

2. Implementing Agreements and Exploring New Collaborations:

● Implementation: Focus on effectively implementing existing agreements and

initiatives to ensure tangible benefits
● New Opportunities: Continuously explore new areas for collaboration to address
emerging challenges and opportunities

3. Enhancing Trade Facilitation and Economic Integration:

● Trade Facilitation: Work on reducing trade barriers, simplifying customs

procedures, and improving logistics
● Economic Integration: Promote policies and initiatives that foster deeper
economic integration among member countries

4. Exploring Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Opportunities:

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● Regional Trade and Investment: Investigate the potential for a free trade
agreement (FTA) to boost intra-regional trade and investment
● Market Access: Facilitate greater market access and economic cooperation,
benefiting all member states

5. Infrastructure Development:

● Transport Connectivity: The BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport

Connectivity (2018-2028), supported by the Asian Development Bank,
aims to improve transport linkages through investments in road, railway,
maritime port, and airport infrastructure.
● Regulatory Frameworks: Ensuring robust regulatory frameworks and
addressing social and environmental concerns are critical for the success
of these projects.

6. Agricultural Trade:

● Food Security: Policies that facilitate agricultural trade while ensuring

domestic food security are vital for economic growth.
● Learning from Others: BIMSTEC can learn from Thailand's experience in
the Greater Mekong Subregion to promote sub-regional economic
integration and stable agricultural trade.

7. Clean Energy Transition:

● Hydropower Potential: Bhutan and Nepal's hydropower potential presents

an opportunity for exporting green energy to other member states.
● Energy Connectivity: Establishing cross-border energy grids and
infrastructure will facilitate seamless electricity transmission and promote
sustainable economic growth.

Conclusion
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BIMSTEC's strategic and economic importance continues to grow, offering a platform

for regional cooperation that aligns with India’s foreign policy goals while countering
China's influence in South and Southeast Asia. The organization's recent formalization
and the focus on connectivity, security, and development demonstrate its evolving role
in the region's geopolitical landscape.