Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a 21-point action plan at the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, proposing a dynamic roadmap for regional cooperation across various sectors. His proposals align with India’s 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies, and aim to enhance BIMSTEC’s role in the Indo-Pacific vision.
Modi emphasized economic integration, suggesting the establishment of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit, and trade feasibility studies in local currencies. Highlighting digital transformation, he proposed sharing India's Digital Public Infrastructure and integrating India’s UPI with regional payment systems.
In response to recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, Modi announced the establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India. He also proposed conducting the fourth joint disaster management exercise this year.
India will host the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers' meeting, focusing on security cooperation, satellite manufacturing, and the use of remote sensing data for regional planning. The BODHI initiative will train 300 youths annually from BIMSTEC nations, while scholarships for students at Forest Research Institute and Nalanda University were also announced.
A Centre of Excellence for traditional medicine and knowledge exchange for farmers is also planned. Modi highlighted the importance of energy security, mentioning the operational BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru and proposing electric grid interconnections.
Promoting cultural ties, he proposed a BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival and announced India’s hosting of the BIMSTEC Athletics Meet this year and the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027.
Modi’s vision emphasizes India’s leadership in transforming BIMSTEC into an effective platform for regional cooperation, enhancing connectivity, disaster response, and promoting cultural and economic ties among member nations.
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