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.
