Bangkok, Thailand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, called the organization a “vital bridge between South and Southeast Asia” and announced several key initiatives to boost regional connectivity, trade, disaster management, and youth development.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
PM Modi praised Thailand’s leadership in steering BIMSTEC over the past three years and expressed confidence that the newly adopted Bangkok Vision 2030 would promote prosperity, security, and inclusivity in the Bay of Bengal region.
He highlighted the activation of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru, which aims to enhance energy cooperation among member states. Modi also proposed linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with BIMSTEC’s payment systems, which would significantly boost trade, industry, and tourism.
Boosting Economic & Disaster Preparedness
To strengthen economic ties, PM Modi proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and an annual Business Summit. He also suggested exploring the possibility of trade in local currencies to ease transactions among member nations.
Acknowledging recent natural disasters, Modi announced India’s initiative to set up a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management. Additionally, India will host the fourth BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities joint exercise later this year.
Advancements in Health, Space & Agriculture
Modi unveiled a plan to support cancer care training and capacity building across BIMSTEC nations. In line with holistic healthcare, he also announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine in India.
To advance scientific cooperation, Modi proposed a ground station for manpower training, nano-satellite development, and remote sensing data sharing among BIMSTEC countries.
Empowering Youth & Cultural Exchange
One of the key highlights was the launch of the BODHI initiative (BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure), under which 300 young professionals from BIMSTEC nations will be trained in India annually. Scholarships at the Forestry Research Institute and Nalanda University will be expanded, along with a Young Diplomats Training Programme.
Promoting cultural ties, Modi announced that India will host the first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival this year. Additionally, India will organize a BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit, a Hackathon, and a Young Professional Visitors Programme to encourage innovation and collaboration.
Sports & Future Outlook
PM Modi proposed hosting the BIMSTEC Athletics Meet in 2024 and, marking the 30th anniversary of BIMSTEC in 2027, India will host the first-ever BIMSTEC Games.
In his concluding remarks, Modi reaffirmed BIMSTEC’s importance beyond regional cooperation, calling it a model for inclusive development and security. He welcomed Bangladesh as the new BIMSTEC Chair and expressed optimism for the organization’s future growth.
“BIMSTEC embodies the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas.’ Together, we will continue to strengthen cooperation and mutual trust to take BIMSTEC to even greater heights,” he said.
