Understanding PM Modi's 21-Point Action Plan for BIMSTEC
Prime Minister Modi's 21-point action plan for BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) aims to enhance regional cooperation across various sectors. This initiative focuses on trade, connectivity, digital infrastructure, disaster management, and cultural exchange among member countries, showcasing India’s commitment to a resilient Bay of Bengal region.
Business-Related Proposals
The action plan includes several proposals to foster business collaboration:
Enhancing Digital and Financial Integration
The plan proposes various measures to enhance digital and financial connectivity:
- Interlinking India's UPI with digital payment systems of other BIMSTEC nations
- Sharing India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) experience
- Promoting regional cybersecurity cooperation
Disaster Management Measures
To improve disaster readiness, the action plan includes:
- Establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India
- Focus on joint training, rehabilitation, and early warning systems
- Strengthening the regional response network for natural disasters
Security and Internal Safety Proposals
The action plan outlines several steps for enhanced security:
- Organizing the first meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs
- Creating a joint framework to tackle terrorism, cybercrime, and trafficking
- Strengthening cooperation on shared intelligence and regional security threats
Advancing Science, Space, and Technology
In the field of science and technology, the proposals include:
- Establishing ground stations for space data sharing
- Promoting collaboration in remote sensing, satellite technology, and space manufacturing
- Supporting nano-science and biotechnology research
Capacity Building and Education Initiatives
To support education and capacity building, the following initiatives are introduced:
- The “BODHI” initiative for digital learning infrastructure
- 300 youth scholarships for technical education in India
- Expansion of the Nalanda University scheme for BIMSTEC scholars
- Fellowship programs in frontier areas of research
Youth Engagement and Cultural Exchange
The action plan emphasizes youth engagement through:
- Launch of the BIMSTEC Youth Leaders’ Summit
- Annual BIMSTEC Technology and Young Professional Visionaries’ Conclave
Sports and Cultural Initiatives
To promote cultural ties, the action plan proposes:
- Annual “BIMSTEC Athletes Meet”
- BIMSTEC Music and Cultural Festival
- Organizing BIMSTEC Games in 2027
Improving Connectivity
Lastly, to enhance physical and energy connectivity, the action plan suggests:
- Establishment of a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India
- Launch of a BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru
- Faster implementation of regional electricity grid interconnection
Summary of the 21 Action Points Proposed by PM Modi
- BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce
- Annual BIMSTEC Business Summit
- Trade in local currencies
- Interlinking UPI with regional payment systems
- Digital Public Infrastructure sharing
- Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management
- Joint disaster training and rehabilitation
- Meeting of National Security Chiefs
- Security cooperation in cybercrime, trafficking, terrorism
- Space cooperation: ground stations, satellites, remote sensing
- Nano-technology and biosciences collaboration
- BODHI initiative for digital infrastructure and learning
- 300 scholarships for youth from BIMSTEC countries
- Research fellowships in science and technology
- Expansion of Nalanda University scholarship access
- BIMSTEC Youth Leaders’ Summit
- Technology and Young Professionals’ Visionaries Programme
- BIMSTEC Athletes Meet
- BIMSTEC Games in 2027
- BIMSTEC Music and Cultural Festival
- BIMSTEC Energy Centre and regional power grid
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