Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that BIMSTEC is a model for inclusive development and collective security, while unveiling a 21-point action plan to expand the grouping’s scope during its 6th annual summit in Bangkok.
Event: 6th BIMSTEC Summit
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Date: April 2025
Key Initiatives in the 21-Point Action Plan
- Digital Payments Integration
- Proposal to link India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the payment systems of BIMSTEC nations to boost trade, tourism, and industry.
- BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce
- Proposal to establish a regional Chamber of Commerce to enhance economic cooperation and private sector engagement.
- Security and Cooperation
- Hosting of the first Home Ministers’ Mechanism meeting in India to deepen regional security cooperation.
- Space Collaboration
- Setup of ground stations for space training.
- Nano satellite manufacturing & launch assistance.
- Remote sensing data use for regional development and planning.
- Energy Sector Development
- Highlighted the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru to train youth.
- Pushed for expedited work on electric grid interconnection across the region.
- Healthcare Support
- India offers to launch a regional capacity-building programme for cancer care.
Bilateral Talks: PM Modi Meets Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus
India’s Concerns Raised
- Safety of Minorities: PM Modi emphasized concerns over minority safety, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.
- Discouraging Harmful Rhetoric: Stressed that divisive rhetoric should be avoided to maintain regional harmony.
- Border Security: Emphasized the need to prevent illegal crossings and strict law enforcement to secure borders.
Bangladesh’s Points
- Extradition of Sheikh Hasina: Yunus raised the matter of the former PM’s return.
- Border Killings: Concerns flagged over cross-border casualties and security handling.
Modi’s Assurance
- Reaffirmed India’s commitment to a democratic, stable, peaceful, and inclusive Bangladesh.
