By: Sonalika Singh, Research Analyst, GSDN
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of South and Southeast Asia. Established in 1997, BIMSTEC comprises seven member states: India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. With a combined population of over 1.8 billion people and a significant share of the global GDP, BIMSTEC represents a dynamic and diverse region. The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for this regional organization, with the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, from April 2 to 4. This summit not only underscores the organization’s commitment to regional integration but also sets the stage for future cooperation across various sectors.
It brought together the leaders of seven neighboring countries amid a period of global uncertainty. This summit served as a much-needed opportunity to revitalize the regional grouping, which had long remained stagnant. Originally envisioned as a bridge between South Asia’s SAARC and Southeast Asia’s ASEAN, BIMSTEC has struggled in recent years due to a lack of direction and political challenges.
The diminishing relevance of SAARC, especially after the deterioration of India-Pakistan relations post-2014, has prompted India to shift focus toward BIMSTEC. Meanwhile, sub-regional efforts like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative lost momentum when Bhutan’s Parliament rejected the proposed Motor Vehicles Agreement. In this context, New Delhi has invested fresh energy into BIMSTEC, viewing it as a platform to enhance regional cooperation.
Although the pandemic disrupted the planned biennial summit cycle, the very fact that this summit was held despite recent natural disasters, including an earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand is a positive development. The summit resulted in several notable outcomes. Among them was the formation of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, and progress on the long-delayed India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which aims to connect India’s North-East to Southeast Asia, potentially transforming it into a regional hub. Given the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, the summit also underscored the urgent need for a joint disaster management mechanism.
Beyond multilateral engagements, the summit also enabled important bilateral interactions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus used the opportunity to address lingering tensions over issues such as minority rights, border killings, and the presence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India. Mr. Modi’s call to avoid inflammatory rhetoric between neighbors was timely and necessary, though it will require mutual commitment from both Dhaka and New Delhi.
Another key meeting was between Mr. Modi and Nepali leader K.P. Sharma Oli, following months of diplomatic strain over the absence of an official invite to Mr. Oli. Their exchange signaled a potential thaw and could pave the way for an early visit and progress on unresolved bilateral issues.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the summit was the inclusion of Myanmar’s Prime Minister, General Min Aung Hlaing. The invitation was seen as a deliberate move by the BIMSTEC grouping to maintain diplomatic engagement with Myanmar. Mr. Modi’s reported counsel to both Gen. Min and Mr. Yunus emphasized the importance of restoring democratic processes in their respective countries, highlighting India’s continued support for democratic values in the region.
While the summit was certainly productive, it is important to note that many of the initiatives echo earlier SAARC agreements. For BIMSTEC to avoid the same fate as SAARC which has largely become inactive member states must commit to ensuring institutional cohesion, policy implementation, and long-term sustainability. Without a clear vision and political will, BIMSTEC risks slipping into the same state of inertia that has hampered other regional efforts in South Asia.
Under the chairmanship of Thailand, the summit was guided by the vision of a “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open” region, an aspiration formally encapsulated in the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030. One of the major outcomes of the summit was the adoption of this vision document, a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the strategic direction for the next decade, focusing on sustainable development, economic integration, and improved connectivity. Alongside it, the Report of the Eminent Persons’ Group on the Future Direction of BIMSTEC offered critical recommendations for strengthening the organization’s structure, operations, and efficiency. Another key takeaway was the BIMSTEC Summit Declaration, in which all member nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and disaster management.
The summit also witnessed several major agreements and forward-looking initiatives. Substantial progress was made on the long-anticipated BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a move that aims to boost intra-regional trade and economic cooperation. A new Maritime Transport Agreement was also signed, enhancing maritime connectivity among member nations and facilitating smoother trade routes across the Bay of Bengal. In response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and other recent natural disasters, BIMSTEC leaders emphasized stronger collaborative frameworks for disaster response and humanitarian aid. Additionally, recognizing the growing role of digital infrastructure in development, the member states pledged to work closely on cyber security and digital governance, with the goal of building secure and inclusive digital ecosystems across the region.
India, as a founding member and major regional power, played a central role in shaping the summit’s outcomes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation underscored India’s ongoing commitment to regional stability and growth. India strongly advocated for the swift implementation of the BIMSTEC FTA and emphasized the need for greater trade and investment flows within the grouping. In terms of physical and digital connectivity, India proposed several infrastructure projects to ease the movement of goods, services, and people across borders. Responding to the humanitarian crises brought about by natural disasters in the region, India also pledged technical assistance, financial support, and logistical coordination to bolster disaster preparedness and response.
India further highlighted its focus on youth empowerment through initiatives aligned with the Skill India Mission and the National Education Policy. These efforts aim to promote innovation, entrepreneurial development, and skill-building among the youth of the region. India’s emphasis on human capital reflects a broader understanding that sustainable development cannot be achieved without investing in the capabilities of the next generation.
The BIMSTEC Summit also functioned as a diplomatic platform for bilateral interactions among its members. A noteworthy development was the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus. The dialogue emphasized avoiding divisive rhetoric and focusing on constructive cooperation, particularly considering recent political changes in Bangladesh. Similarly, the presence of Myanmar’s military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, facilitated much-needed discussions around disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and regional infrastructure development, even as Myanmar continues to grapple with internal political unrest.
Youth engagement emerged as a major theme in 2025, with the inaugural BIMSTEC Youth Summit hosted in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in February. As an initiative to foster the spirit of regional cooperation among the youth of the Bay of Bengal region, India hosted the 1st BIMSTEC Youth Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from February 7 to 11, 2025. The summit is a follow-up to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s announcement at the 4th BIMSTEC Summit and is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Ministry of External Affairs, with the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Young Indians (CII YI) serving as the knowledge partner.
The summit was officially inaugurated on February 8 by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports of India, in the presence of Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse, and Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs. The inauguration marked the beginning of a three-day congregation of young leaders from BIMSTEC countries, focusing on discussions around challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, digital connectivity, cyberspace, sustainable development, and the importance of forging ties that transcend borders.
India proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC-wide startup network aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among young people. There was also a strong focus on expanding educational and vocational training to ensure that the youth are equipped with the skills necessary for the jobs of tomorrow. The summit additionally emphasized the importance of cultural exchange initiatives, which can strengthen people-to-people connections and build mutual understanding among future leaders of the region.
The summit is thematically centered on “Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange” and aims to reinforce the shared cultural and civilizational heritage of the region. It reaffirms India’s commitment to regional cooperation in alignment with its ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, along with the vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR).
More than seventy youth delegates from all seven BIMSTEC member countries are participating in the summit. The delegates include Ministers, Members of Parliament, Mayors, entrepreneurs, tech developers, cultural figures, social media influencers, and civil society leaders. The key objectives of the summit are to encourage young leaders from member nations to engage actively with pressing regional challenges, economic and social issues, and the broader development agenda; to facilitate the constructive exchange of views on strategic issues empowering youth; and to collectively build innovative ideas for a brighter and more connected future.
A key highlight of the event was the “Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue X BIMSTEC”, which provided a platform for delegates to showcase impactful youth development initiatives from their respective countries. Another important feature of the summit was the session on “Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat),” a flagship initiative announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. MY Bharat represented a forward-looking, tech-enabled institutional framework for youth development and engagement, aimed at providing equitable opportunities for young people to achieve their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to India’s vision of Amrit Bharat by 2047. The session illustrated how technology was being leveraged by the Government of India to enhance youth welfare, offering valuable learning experiences for delegates from across the BIMSTEC region.
In addition to the policy and thematic sessions, delegates had the opportunity to experience India’s rich cultural heritage and modern innovations. Site visits included Dandi Kutir, India’s largest museum dedicated to the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi; Sabarmati Ashram, his former residence and a symbol of India’s non-violent resistance; and the Sabarmati Riverfront, a major urban revitalization project. Delegates also toured GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) India’s first operational smart city and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) which offered insights into the country’s vision of becoming a global hub for financial services, technology, and innovation. Through these visits, delegates witnessed firsthand the development of cutting-edge infrastructure and sustainable urban planning, inspiring them to envision similar advancements in their own countries.
Through this landmark initiative, the BIMSTEC Youth Summit is expected to provide greater momentum to youth engagement and youth-led development in the region, strengthening bonds and laying the foundation for long-term collaboration among the future leaders of South and Southeast Asia.
Despite the progress achieved, BIMSTEC faces several challenges. Political instability remains a concern, particularly in countries like Myanmar, where internal unrest hampers effective regional cooperation. Infrastructure gaps also persist, limiting the full potential of trade and connectivity goals. Additionally, environmental vulnerabilities, particularly due to climate change and natural disasters, pose ongoing threats to the stability and sustainability of development efforts in the region.
Nevertheless, these challenges offer opportunities for transformation and renewed commitment. BIMSTEC, as a regional organization, has the potential to lead in areas where collective action is needed most—from climate resilience to technological innovation, and from youth development to sustainable trade. The organization’s unique positioning, bridging South and Southeast Asia, gives it both the strategic leverage and responsibility to shape the future of one of the most populous and promising regions in the world.
The 2025 BIMSTEC Summit marks a transformative phase in the organization’s evolution. With strategic agreements, forward-looking policies, and renewed political will, BIMSTEC is increasingly asserting itself as a vital forum for regional cooperation. The summit laid the foundation for a more interconnected, resilient, and prosperous Bay of Bengal region. As member states work in unison toward the goals of the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, there is ample reason to be optimistic about the future. With a shared commitment to peace, development, and solidarity, BIMSTEC is not only redefining regionalism but also offering a compelling model for international cooperation in the 21st century.
