BIMSTEC: Strengthening Regional Ties through Collaboration

What is BIMSTEC?

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization established in 1997. This collaborative framework comprises seven member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, and India. The primary objective of BIMSTEC is to enhance technical and economic cooperation among its members.

Recent Development

• Charter Adoption: The inaugural charter of BIMSTEC was adopted during the 5th summit of BIMSTEC leaders, which came into effect on May 20, 2023.
• Legal Personality: With the adoption of the charter, BIMSTEC has gained a ‘legal personality,’ allowing it to engage in structured diplomatic dialogues with other organizations and countries.

Significance of the Charter

• New Members and Observers: The charter enables BIMSTEC to accept new members and observers, enhancing its reach and influence.
• Institutional Framework: It provides a legal and institutional framework for deeper integration and cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

India's Role

• Commitment to Cooperation: India’s External Affairs Minister emphasized that the charter reaffirms India’s dedication to a prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable neighborhood.
• Policy Alignment: BIMSTEC aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, emphasizing regional cooperation and development.

Historical Context

• Formation Challenges: Since its inception, BIMSTEC has encountered challenges in achieving consensus among its member states regarding a common charter.
• Pandemic and Virtual Meetings: During the pandemic, leaders convened virtually in March 2022 under Sri Lanka’s chairmanship to adopt the charter.
• Thailand's Chairmanship: Following the 5th leaders’ summit, Thailand assumed the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, and Nepal ratified the charter, facilitating its enforcement.

Comparison with SAARC

• SAARC's Stalled Status: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has seen limited activity, with its last summit occurring in 2014.
• Shift in Focus: Under Prime Minister Modi, India has shifted its focus towards BIMSTEC, which better aligns with its regional strategies.
• Nepal's Stance: Nepal views BIMSTEC not as a substitute for SAARC but as a complementary body, aspiring to revitalize SAARC while engaging in BIMSTEC.

Regional Challenges

Challenges such as the tensions between Bangladesh and Myanmar, particularly concerning the displacement of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh and Thailand, have complicated regional cooperation within BIMSTEC.

Conclusion

The enforcement of the BIMSTEC charter signifies a crucial advancement towards structured regional cooperation, providing a platform for tackling common challenges and fostering economic and technical collaboration among the member states.