Why in News?

Recently, PM Modi attended the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok.

During the summit, PM Modi unveiled a comprehensive 21-point action plan aimed at revitalising BIMSTEC, positioning it as a key platform for regional connectivity, trade, and security—especially important given SAARC’s current dormancy.

The summit brought together the leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Key Highlights of the Speech delivered by PM Modi

Key Highlights of the Speech delivered by PM Modi

• Appreciation of BIMSTEC Leadership and Vision
  • Commended Thailand’s leadership over the past three years.
  • Welcomed the enforcement of the BIMSTEC Charter.
  • Supported adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030, highlighting its role in regional prosperity and inclusiveness.
• Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms
  • Proposed expansion of BIMSTEC’s institutional capacity.
  • Welcomed the institutionalization of the Home Ministers’ Mechanism and offered to host its first meeting in India.
  • Stressed the role of this mechanism in combating cybercrime, terrorism, and human trafficking.
• Enhancing Connectivity
  • Advocated for simultaneous growth of physical, digital, and energy connectivity.
  • Noted the operationalization of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru.
  • Proposed acceleration of efforts for electric grid interconnection.
• Promoting Digital Public Infrastructure
  • Offered to share India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) experience.
  • Suggested a pilot study on DPI needs in BIMSTEC countries.
  • Proposed integration of India’s UPI with payment systems of BIMSTEC countries to boost trade and tourism.
• Trade, Business, and Economic Integration
  • Proposed a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and an Annual Business Summit.
  • Suggested a feasibility study for trade in local currencies to strengthen economic collaboration.
• Maritime Cooperation
  • Welcomed the Maritime Transport Agreement for enhanced shipping and trade.
  • Proposed creation of a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India to support policy coordination and maritime security.
• Disaster Management Initiatives
  • Recalled India’s role as a first responder during disasters.
  • Proposed establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India.
  • Announced that the 4th Joint Disaster Management Exercise will be held in India this year.
• Health and Agriculture Cooperation
  • Announced support for training in cancer care.
  • Proposed Centres of Excellence in:
    • Traditional medicine.
    • Agriculture (knowledge sharing, best practices, and capacity building).
• Space Cooperation
  • Offered Indian support in space technology for BIMSTEC countries.
  • He proposed:
    • A ground station for training.
    • Nano-satellite development and launches.
    • Use of remote sensing data for regional development.
• Youth Development and Education
  • Launched the BODHI initiative (BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure).
  • Announced:
    • Training of 300 youth annually in India.
    • Scholarships at the Forestry Research Institute and Nalanda University.
    • An annual training programme for young diplomats.
• Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
  • Highlighted shared heritage through festivals like Odisha’s Bali Jatra.
  • Announced:
    • The BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival.
    • BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit.
    • Launch of a BIMSTEC Hackathon and Young Professional Visitors Programme.
    • BIMSTEC Athletics Meet in 2025.
    • BIMSTEC Games in 2027 on the organization’s 30th anniversary.
• Concluding Remarks
  • Reiterated BIMSTEC as a model for inclusive development and collective security.
  • Quoted “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas” as the spirit guiding India’s commitment.
  • Welcomed Bangladesh as the incoming Chair and wished success in its leadership.