Indian Prime Minister Modi set to attend BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok during the month of April.
India and BIMSTEC Nations Emphasize Regional Cooperation at 2023 Summit
The BIMSTEC Summit 2023, held in Bangkok, focused on advancing regional cooperation based on the recently adopted "Bangkok Vision 2030." The vision emphasizes connectivity, sustainable development, and economic cooperation among the member countries, with the aim of enhancing collaboration aligned with global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and eco-friendly economic models.
The participating countries in BIMSTEC are seven nations from South and Southeast Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Potential bilateral meetings during BIMSTEC gatherings typically involve key ministers and leaders discussing sectoral cooperation in trade, connectivity, climate change, and food security. For example, India's External Affairs Minister hosted counterparts to inject new energy and resources into BIMSTEC cooperation, focusing on strategic regional integration under initiatives like India's "Neighbourhood First" and "Act East Policy."
While specific bilateral meetings during the 2023 summit were not detailed in the latest information, side meetings are customary to strengthen ties and discuss issues pertinent to member states, excluding politically sensitive topics like the Rohingya issue, which was reportedly not on the formal agenda in recent summits.
After the summit, India and Sri Lanka announced increased cooperation in various fields. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described physical, energy, and digital connectivity as important pillars in bilateral ties. The fields of cooperation include debt restructuring, trade, digital technology, energy, defence and security, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
Meanwhile, India's ties with Bangladesh have reportedly deteriorated since Sheikh Hasina was ousted as prime minister last year. The participation of the ruling military junta in Myanmar at the Bimstec summit will be closely observed, given the severe deterioration of the security situation there since last year.
In addition, it is uncertain if a bilateral meeting will occur between Modi and the head of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus. Modi is expected to visit Sri Lanka early next month, potentially before or immediately after the Bimstec summit.
Furthermore, Putin's India visit dates have almost been finalized, according to NSA Doval in Moscow. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a left-leaning Sri Lankan President, visited New Delhi in December last year.
India has so far given $5 billion to Sri Lanka, including both lines of credit and grant assistance. Navratna NALCO's Q1 FY26 net profit surged 77 per cent to Rs 1,064 Cr. It is noteworthy that India and Thailand are neighbors of Myanmar, underscoring the strategic importance of Bimstec as a regional grouping that India has prioritized since the lapse of the South Asian grouping Saarc.
In conclusion, the Bimstec Summit 2023 serves as a platform for regional nations to strengthen ties, discuss sectoral cooperation, and work towards a sustainable and connected future within the Bay of Bengal region.
The Bimstec Summit 2023 serves as a platform for discussing sectoral cooperation in areas such as politics and general news, as key ministers and leaders from the member countries often discuss issues related to trade, connectivity, climate change, and food security. For example, India's External Affairs Minister focused on strategic regional integration and geopolitical initiatives during bilateral meetings at the summit.
India's relations with Bimstec member states, such as Sri Lanka, are marked by increased cooperation in various fields, ranging from physical and energy connectivity to digital technology, defence and security, and people-to-people ties. However, the relationship with Bangladesh has reportedly deteriorated, and the participation of the ruling military junta in Myanmar at the summit is being closely observed.
