6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok

Event Overview

• Summit Venue: Bangkok, Thailand
• Date: April 2025
• Theme: “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC”
• Format: First in-person summit since 2018 (Kathmandu); the previous (5th) summit was virtual (2022, Sri Lanka)

Key Agendas & Agreements

• Adoption of the 5th BIMSTEC Declaration
• Signing of a Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement
• Discussions on regional security, trade, and economic collaboration

Possible High-Profile Meetings

• India-Bangladesh Talks:
  • Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary confirmed a likely bilateral meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof. Mohammed Yunus.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not officially confirmed it.
• India-Thailand Engagement:
  • PM Modi to meet Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra upon arrival at Don Mueang Airport.
  • Dinner with visiting Heads of State and Government.
  • Meeting with Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn before departure to Sri Lanka (April 4-6).

Geopolitical Context

• Backdrop of Myanmar’s Earthquake: The summit follows a devastating earthquake in Myanmar, adding urgency to discussions on disaster relief and regional cooperation.
• India-Bangladesh Relations:
  • Ties have remained uncertain since the removal of former PM Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
  • Rohingya crisis continues to strain Bangladesh-Myanmar relations.

Why This Summit Matters?

• Revitalization of BIMSTEC post-pandemic with in-person diplomacy.
• Strengthening India’s ties with Thailand and Bangladesh.
• Potential policy shifts following leadership changes in Bangladesh.