Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), transforming it into a dynamic platform for regional collaboration. His strategic initiatives have significantly enhanced the forum’s relevance and effectiveness.
Strategic Initiatives by PM Modi:
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Comprehensive 21-Point Action Plan: During the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4, 2025, PM Modi introduced a detailed 21-point action plan. This roadmap encompasses various sectors, including economic integration, digital transformation, disaster management, energy security, and cultural exchanges.
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Economic Integration Efforts: PM Modi proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit to foster trade and investment among member nations. He also advocated for a feasibility study on conducting trade in local currencies to facilitate smoother economic transactions.
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Digital Public Infrastructure: Recognizing the potential of the IT sector, PM Modi suggested a pilot study to assess the needs of BIMSTEC countries for adopting India’s Digital Public Infrastructure model. He emphasized integrating India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with regional payment systems to enhance digital connectivity.
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Energy Cooperation: India hosts the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru, which plays a crucial role in coordinating regional power grid interconnections under PM Modi’s ‘One World, One Sun, One Grid’ vision. This initiative aims to enhance energy security and sustainability across member countries.
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Disaster Management Collaboration: In response to the region’s vulnerability to natural calamities, India has facilitated disaster management cooperation. A notable example is India’s swift response under ‘Operation Brahma’ to assist Myanmar after a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake, reflecting India’s commitment to regional solidarity.
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Cultural and Religious Diplomacy: PM Modi has emphasized cultural linkages to strengthen regional ties. His visit to the Wat Pho Temple in Thailand, where he highlighted shared Buddhist traditions, underscores the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering unity among BIMSTEC nations.
Through these initiatives, PM Modi has significantly contributed to transforming BIMSTEC into a vibrant and effective forum for regional cooperation, aligning with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies.
