India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is breathing new life into the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). By aligning multiple national strategies such as Neighbourhood First, Act East, MAHASAGAR, and its Indo-Pacific vision, India is reinforcing the foundation and direction of BIMSTEC’s regional development.
India’s commitment to institutional growth is evident through the appointment of Indra Mani Pandey, an experienced diplomat, as the Secretary General. Moreover, the group adopted its formal charter in May 2024, giving it global recognition and a structured framework. India’s $1 million grant to the BIMSTEC Secretariat further emphasizes its focus on capacity building and institutional development.
BIMSTEC’s agenda has now broadened under India’s stewardship, categorizing its focus into seven sectors led by different nations. India oversees the security domain, ensuring legal measures to combat terrorism and cross-border crime. Other domains include trade and development (Bangladesh), climate and environment (Bhutan), agriculture and food (Myanmar), cultural exchange (Nepal), innovation and tech (Sri Lanka), and infrastructure (Thailand).
India is also taking the lead in enhancing connectivity across the region—digital, physical, and energy. Hosting the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru, India is driving efforts toward a unified regional power grid in line with the ‘One World, One Sun, One Grid’ concept. Additionally, India facilitates collaborative disaster management drills and hosts the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate in Noida.
Cultural and youth engagement has gained significant momentum. Events such as the BIMSTEC Aquatic Championship (February 2024, Delhi), Youth Summit (February 2025, Ahmedabad), and Climate Change Conference (February 2025, Delhi) show India’s commitment to fostering regional unity. The participation of BIMSTEC troupes in events like Surajkund Mela and Bali Jatra further highlight this effort.
Since hosting the 2016 Leaders’ Retreat in Goa, India has continued shaping BIMSTEC’s vision. Now, as BIMSTEC Vision 2030 and the Eminent Persons Group report are set to be released in Bangkok, PM Modi’s influence remains a guiding force in building a future-ready BIMSTEC.
