Gajendra Singh Godara
Aug 12, 2025
15
mins read
BIMSTEC Full Form: BIMSTEC stands for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. BIMSTEC is a regional organisation established in 1997, comprising seven countries in South and Southeast Asia.
Established on 6 June 1997 by the Bangkok Declaration (as “BIST-EC”), it was renamed BIMSTEC in 2004 when Nepal and Bhutan joined.
The BIMSTEC Secretariat is in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Together the member states (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand) span 22% of world population and a combined GDP of over US$5.2 trillion.
It connects South Asia and South East Asia, including both South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and South East Asian countries (Myanmar, Thailand).
South Asia and South East Asia are distinct regions, with South Asia comprising countries like India and Bangladesh, and South East Asia including countries such as Myanmar and Thailand.
As a regional organization, its purpose is to foster cooperation and integration among these countries, focusing on economic growth, technological collaboration, and regional connectivity across key sectors.
6th BIMSTEC Summit (Apr 2025): PM Modi joined leaders in Bangkok under Thailand’s chairmanship (theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open”). The summit adopted a BIMSTEC Vision 2030 roadmap, established Centres of Excellence (e.g. in Disaster Management, Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine), and India announced a 21-point action plan (Athletics Meet 2025, BIMSTEC Games 2027, youth programs, payments integration, etc.).
Regional Initiatives: On summit sidelines, India–Thailand announced a strategic partnership boosting maritime security, trade (Indo-Pacific frameworks, FTA upgrade), and cultural ties.
Table of content
Core Objective: Create an enabling environment for rapid economic development, social progress and collaboration on common interests. BIMSTEC’s mission includes boosting trade, investment and technology-sharing to uplift regional prosperity. It seeks to enhance connectivity (roads, rail, ports, energy grids) for smoother trade and people-to-people movement. The group also aims to promote inclusive growth (poverty alleviation), address security (counter-terrorism, disaster management) and foster regional peace.
Founding Members: Initially formed as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation) in 1997. Myanmar joined in 1997 (renaming it BIMST-EC), and Nepal and Bhutan became full members in 2004, completing the seven. Thus BIMSTEC unites five South Asian (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and two Southeast Asian (Myanmar, Thailand) nations.
Strategic Goals: BIMSTEC serves as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, aiming to integrate SAARC and ASEAN regions. It promotes peace, stability and shared prosperity, addressing common challenges like climate change and poverty through joint frameworks. BIMSTEC also addresses the strategic interests of its member countries, particularly in areas such as security, economic development, and regional stability. The group’s Charter (signed March 2022 at the 5th Summit) institutionalizes these objectives for long-term cooperation.
Table Summary :
Parameter | Details |
Full Form | Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation |
Established | 6 June 1997 (Bangkok Declaration) |
BIMSTEC Headquarters | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
Members (7 countries) | Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand |
Priority Sectors | 14 sectors (e.g. Trade, Transport, Energy, Tourism, Technology, Fisheries, Agriculture, Health, Counter-Terrorism, Disaster Management, Environment, etc.) |
Adoption of Bangkok Vision 2030: The Summit endorsed the first-ever strategic roadmap to create a Prosperous, Resilient, and Open region by 2030, focusing on economic integration, connectivity, human security, and resilience to global challenges.
India-led BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence: India announced setting up Centres of Excellence in Disaster Management, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine, and Agricultural Research and Training.
BODHI Program: India launched the BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure (BODHI) initiative for skill development through training, scholarships, and capacity-building across BIMSTEC members.
Digital Public Infrastructure: A pilot study will be conducted by India to explore the development of digital infrastructure to enhance governance and service delivery in the BIMSTEC region.
Linking Payment Systems: India proposed integrating its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with BIMSTEC member countries' payment systems to facilitate digital payments and financial inclusion.
BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and Business Summit: The establishment of a regional Chamber of Commerce and an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit was proposed to boost trade and economic cooperation.
Strengthening People-to-People Linkages: India announced cultural and sports initiatives including the BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (2025), the first BIMSTEC Games (2027), Traditional Music Festival, Young Leaders’ Summit, Hackathons, and Youth Visitor Programs.
Maritime Transport Cooperation: Member states agreed on an agreement to enhance cargo and passenger movement, maritime safety, regional logistics, and blue economy development in the Bay of Bengal.
Institutional Strengthening and Partnerships: Adoption of rules of procedure for BIMSTEC mechanisms and MoUs with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) were signed to institutionalize cooperation in priority areas.
Governing Structure: BIMSTEC functions through regular Summits (heads of state) every 2 years, Ministerial Meetings (annual) and Senior Officials’ Meetings (twice a year). These bodies set directions, review progress and coordinate policies. Work is carried out via Joint Working Groups and Expert Groups in each sector.
Rotating Chairmanship: The chairpersonship rotates annually in alphabetical order of member names. The current chair (as of 2025) is Bangladesh.
Permanent Secretariat: The Secretariat (opened 2014) in Dhaka provides administrative coordination and support. The Secretariat manages day-to-day affairs and facilitates sectoral programs.
Priority Areas: BIMSTEC has 14 priority sectors of cooperation, each led by a member country. For example, India leads in Transport & Communication, Tourism, Environment & Disaster Management, and Counter-Terrorism, while other members head sectors like trade, environment, agriculture, and connectivity. Several BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence have been set up (e.g. on Disaster Management, Energy, Traditional Medicine) to implement projects and training.
BIMSTEC Charter: Foundational document that outlines the goals, principles, and structure of the BIMSTEC. It was finalized in the 5th Summit (2022) in Sri Lanka. Charter confers legal personality on the grouping and paves the way for external partnerships and admission of observers and new BIMSTEC members.
Trade and Investment: BIMSTEC focuses on boosting intra-regional trade and investment. It is currently negotiating a BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance economic integration. With a combined GDP of about US$5.2 trillion, the bloc aims to leverage scale for mutual growth.
Infrastructure & Connectivity: The grouping emphasizes infrastructure connectivity across land, sea and digital networks. Initiatives include the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and port developments. BIMSTEC’s transport cooperation (roads, railways, shipping) seeks to link South and Southeast Asia, facilitating faster movement of goods and people.
Energy and Resources: Energy cooperation (power grids, pipelines, renewable energy) is a priority to meet growing demand. BIMSTEC also promotes joint development of fisheries and marine resources in the Bay of Bengal region.
Tourism and Culture: Member states collaborate on tourism promotion, visa facilitation, and cultural exchanges. Events like the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival (held in New Delhi) and planned BIMSTEC Games showcase cultural cooperation.
Disaster Management & Environment: Given the region’s vulnerability, BIMSTEC strengthens disaster preparedness. It established a Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India and conducts joint exercises. Environmental sustainability (e.g. climate change action, cyclone relief) is integral to its agenda
BIMSTEC’s sectoral working groups enable member countries to share expertise and coordinate policies across diverse areas. Key sectors include:
Trade & Investment, Technology, Energy: Initial cooperation (1997) covered trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism and fisheries. It has since added agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people-to-people contact, and climate change.
Security and Law Enforcement: BIMSTEC Members hold regular meetings of national security chiefs, border force chiefs and police to tackle transnational crime, terrorism and narcotics. This joint security cooperation helps safeguard the region’s stability.
Human Resource Development: BIMSTEC launched the BODHI program (BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure) for skill development and scholarships. There are exchange programs for diplomats, youth summits, and professional exchanges to build capacity across member states.
Chambers & Business Forums: To boost private sector ties, India proposed a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and annual business summits. These platforms encourage investment and address trade issues.
Leadership in Key Sectors: India leads in Transport & Communication, Tourism, Environment & Disaster Management, Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime. It has proposed and hosts several BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence (Disaster Management, Maritime Transport, Agriculture research, etc.).
Act East and Connectivity: BIMSTEC is central to India’s Act East policy. It connects India with Southeast Asian markets via Myanmar-Thailand corridors. Projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway and digital payment integration (UPI with BIMSTEC) bolster India’s regional outreach.
Economic Diplomacy: India’s 21-point action plan (April 2025) for BIMSTEC covers infrastructure, digital governance, cancer-care capacity building, and financial integration. These initiatives aim to deepen trade, tourism and technology ties.
Strategic Partnerships: Through BIMSTEC, India strengthens ties with neighbours like Bangladesh and Myanmar, as well as ASEAN members. It offers development assistance (infrastructure projects, financing) to BIMSTEC partners, reinforcing the Neighbourhood First policy. BIMSTEC also provides India a platform to counterbalance other influences in the Bay of Bengal region.
Each BIMSTEC country contributes its strengths:
Country | Lead Sector(s) |
Bangladesh | Trade, Investment & Development |
Bhutan | Environment & Climate Change |
India | Security (Counter-Terrorism, Transnational Crime), Energy & Disaster Management |
Nepal | Tourism, Culture, People-to-People Exchanges |
Sri Lanka | Science, Technology & Innovation (Health, Human Resource Development) |
Myanmar | Agriculture & Food Security (Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries) |
Thailand | Connectivity and Transport Infrastructure |
Each member nation leads initiatives in its sector(s), ensuring shared ownership of BIMSTEC’s agenda. For example, Thailand emphasizes regional connectivity, while Bangladesh often spearheads trade and development projects.
Key Facts: The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi‑Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was established in 1997 and includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, with its Secretariat based in Dhaka.
Strategic Foreign Policy Tool: BIMSTEC is central to India’s Act East and Neighborhood First policies. It serves as an alternative to SAARC, bypassing India–Pakistan tensions, and strengthens India’s connectivity to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
Connectivity & Development: The grouping facilitates vital infrastructure projects such as the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway and enhances the development of India’s Northeast via Bay of Bengal links.
Security & Blue Economy: BIMSTEC fosters collaboration in maritime security, disaster response, and the blue economy, aligning with India's SAGAR and MAHASAGAR visions.
Economic and Regional Cooperation: Through its 14‑sector agenda, BIMSTEC promotes cooperation in trade, energy, tourism, counter‑terrorism, agriculture, and climate resilience, supporting regional integration.
India’s Institutional Leadership: India plays a lead role in BIMSTEC’s institutional strengthening, providing funding to its Secretariat, hosting high‑level ministerials, and chairing priority sectors like security.
Geopolitical Balance: As a functional and pragmatic grouping-with no Pakistan—it enables India to counter China's expanding influence via the Belt and Road Initiative in the Bay of Bengal region.
Economic Forum: With 22% of global population and 25% of world trade passing through, the Bay of Bengal is economically vital. BIMSTEC promotes infrastructure (ports, energy grids) and policy coordination to tap regional growth.
Poverty and Development Linkages: BIMSTEC aligns poverty alleviation with security; for example, its 4th Summit reiterated commitment to eradicate poverty by 2030 alongside sustainable development. Such initiatives strengthen social stability and human development across the member countries.
Slow organizational progress: Despite being established on 6 June 1997, BIMSTEC held only 6 summits in 27 years, and its charter was enforced very late. The permanent secretariat was set up only in 2011 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, but still faces inadequate financial and manpower support.
Geopolitical challenges: China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) extends into all BIMSTEC countries except India and Bhutan, giving China strategic leverage and raising concerns for India.
Low intra-regional trade: Trade among BIMSTEC countries is only about 6-7% of total trade, reflecting poor economic integration. The Free Trade Agreement from 2004 remains unimplemented, delaying trade liberalization.
Infrastructure and connectivity gaps: Stalled or delayed projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway and the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal motor vehicle agreement obstruct physical connectivity crucial for trade and people-to-people exchange.
Political instability and strained relations: Internal crises in Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, plus bilateral tensions such as Bangladesh-Myanmar over Rohingyas and India-Nepal border issues, hinder regional cooperation.
Institutional limitations: Political diversity, changing priorities, visa restrictions, and a small secretariat in Dhaka limit BIMSTEC’s effectiveness.
Q.What is BIMSTEC?
A. BIMSTEC is the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, a 7-nation regional grouping.
Q.When and how was BIMSTEC established?
A.It was founded on 6 June 1997 by the Bangkok Declaration (as BIST-EC).
Q.How many BIMSTEC member countries are there?
A.There are 7 members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Q.Where is the BIMSTEC headquarters?
A.The BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Q.What is the full form of BIMSTEC?
A. Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
BIMSTEC plays a critical role in fostering multi-sectoral cooperation among Bay of Bengal nations. By bridging South and Southeast Asia, it advances India’s connectivity and economic diplomacy, while addressing shared challenges like trade, security and climate. The Summit outcomes (Vision 2030, Charter, new projects) underscore BIMSTEC’s growing institutional strength. For UPSC preparation, a clear grasp of BIMSTEC’s founding, members, objectives and recent developments is essential. For more in-depth analysis on BIMSTEC and related current affairs topics, see Padhai’s blogs section for updated resources.
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