Over the years, through initiatives like the ‘Neighbourhood First and Act East policies,’ the MAHASAGAR vision, and a consistent push for institutional reform and regional connectivity, PM Modi has transformed BIMSTEC into a vibrant platform for cooperation

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was established in 1997 with the promise of fostering deeper regional collaboration among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal.

Yet, for nearly two decades, the organisation remained relatively dormant — its potential untapped, its purpose loosely defined. That changed in 2016 when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi injected fresh momentum into the grouping, anchoring it firmly within India’s broader regional and global strategic vision.

A Strategic Turn in Goa

The turning point came when PM Modi extended a special invitation to BIMSTEC leaders to attend a Leaders’ Retreat in Goa, held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in 2016. This wasn’t just a diplomatic courtesy — it was a strategic pivot. By placing BIMSTEC on the same platform as BRICS, Modi elevated its visibility and importance. His message was clear: India viewed the Bay of Bengal region as central to its regional diplomacy, economic connectivity, and maritime strategy. Since then, Modi’s personal involvement and consistent emphasis on BIMSTEC have transformed it from a symbolic forum to an active and evolving regional body. In a move that underscored his commitment, he again invited BIMSTEC leaders to attend his swearing-in ceremony in 2019 — signalling continuity, priority, and seriousness of intent.

Vision-Driven Diplomacy:

What sets PM Modi’s leadership apart is his ability to integrate BIMSTEC within a broader web of policies that collectively enhance India’s regional and global role. His Neighbourhood First policy, Act East strategy, and the MAHASAGAR initiative are all geared toward strengthening India’s ties in its immediate and extended neighbourhood.

At the same time, his Indo-Pacific vision promotes a free, open, and inclusive region, aligning with global efforts to ensure stability and cooperation across maritime domains.

This policy convergence has lent BIMSTEC a new strategic dynamism. The group now finds itself not just an extension of South Asian cooperation, but a crucial bridge connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, linking economies, people, and futures.

Strengthening the Institutions

While BIMSTEC’s Secretariat had existed for some time, a significant leap in its institutional development came in May 2024 with the formal adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter. This milestone endowed the organisation with an international legal identity, clearly defined principles, and an institutional architecture that allows it to function with more coherence and purpose.

Further boosting its multilateral capacity, India appointed  Indra Mani Pandey — an experienced diplomat known for his multilateral acumen — as the Secretary-General. India also committed USD 1 million to enhance the Secretariat’s institutional and capacity-building efforts.

India’s active diplomatic engagement has also seen it hosting the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July 2024, followed by an informal meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2024. These events marked a new phase of energised diplomacy and engagement, laying the foundation for greater regional integration.

A Holistic Agenda

One of the standout features of BIMSTEC under India’s leadership has been the expansion and organisation of its agenda.

The grouping now operates through seven key pillars, each led by a different member nation, allowing for greater ownership and specialised focus. India leads the all-important Security pillar, while Bangladesh helms Trade, Investment, and Development.

Bhutan focuses on Environment and Climate Change, Myanmar leads on Agriculture and Food Security, Nepal on People-to-People Contacts, Sri Lanka on Science and Technology & Innovation, and Thailand on Connectivity.

This structured approach has allowed BIMSTEC to evolve into a results-oriented body, addressing challenges and harnessing opportunities across the spectrum — from trade and security to climate action and innovation. And the change is visible in its approach.

India’s Pillars of Focus

India’s leadership in the Security domain has seen the development of a robust legal framework to tackle terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crimes — issues of shared concern across the region. Efforts are underway to harmonise counter-terror frameworks, intelligence-sharing, and maritime cooperation. On Connectivity, India has placed particular emphasis on developing physical, digital, and energy links. The BIMSTEC Energy Centre, hosted in Bengaluru, coordinates initiatives toward regional grid interconnectivity.

This aligns with PM Modi’s bold vision of “One World, One Sun, One Grid”, which aims to create a globally interconnected solar energy grid. In the area of Sustainability and Disaster Management, India has positioned itself as a responsible regional partner. It hosts regular disaster management exercises involving member countries and leads the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate in Noida, playing a critical role in forecasting, climate data sharing, and early warning systems. Given the region’s high vulnerability to natural disasters, this collaboration holds immense practical value.

Fostering Regional Identity

Beyond policy and security, PM Modi has consistently championed the softer dimensions of regional cooperation — particularly culture, youth engagement, and environmental consciousness. These elements have been brought to the forefront through a series of vibrant events that promote shared identity and regional pride. Recent highlights include the BIMSTEC Aquatic Championship in Delhi (Feb 2024), the BIMSTEC Business Summit (Aug 2024), and cultural showcases like the BIMSTEC Pavilion at the Surajkund Mela (Feb 2025) and the BIMSTEC cultural troupe’s performance at Bali Jatra in Cuttack (Nov 2024). Youth engagement, too, has been given a fresh thrust through the BIMSTEC Youth Summit in Ahmedabad and the BIMSTEC Youth-Led Climate Change Conference in Delhi, both held in February 2025. Another notable milestone was the launch of the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network in February 2024, which aims to foster scientific collaboration and ocean sustainability.

From Goa to Bangkok

The vision articulated by PM Modi during the 2016 Goa Retreat continues to shape BIMSTEC’s trajectory. The decisions taken during that seminal retreat are coming to fruition, most recently in Bangkok, where two key developments have been unveiled: the adoption of the BIMSTEC Vision 2030 and the Eminent Persons Group Report. These initiatives provide a long-term roadmap and intellectual foundation.

Conclusion

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BIMSTEC has transitioned from a dormant regional forum to a vibrant, forward-looking grouping. India’s proactive engagement — rooted in strategic vision and people-centric diplomacy, has redefined the role of BIMSTEC in the 21st century. What began as a diplomatic gesture in Goa has evolved into a robust regional movement.As BIMSTEC continues to chart its course, India’s leadership remains central to its strength, stability, and success, ensuring the Bay of Bengal becomes a beacon of cooperation, connectivity, and shared prosperity.

(The writer is Founder President, Om Aarohanam Sansthan (Janani Suraksha Yojana) and a BJP functionary. Views are personal)