Prime Minister Modi unveils 21-Point Action Plan at BIMSTEC Summit, calls for stronger regional cooperation

New Delhi, Apr 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday. Modi welcomed the signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, the adoption of the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, and the Report of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group. Member states also unanimously adopted the BIMSTEC Summit Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to deepen regional cooperation across the Bay of Bengal.

In a keynote address to leaders of the seven-member regional bloc, Prime Minister Modi described BIMSTEC as “a bridge connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia” and proposed a wide-ranging 21-point action plan to bolster collaboration in areas such as digital connectivity, disaster response, maritime security, youth development, and cultural exchange. “BIMSTEC is not just a regional organisation for us. It is a model of our inclusive growth and security. It is a symbol of our shared resolve and collective strength,” Modi said, highlighting the platform’s strategic importance for regional stability and prosperity.

The summit, hosted by Thailand, saw the adoption of several key documents, Member states also issued a Summit Declaration reaffirming their commitment to deepening regional cooperation.

Modi welcomed the adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter last year, calling it a “matter of joy,” and hailed the Bangkok Vision 2030 as a guiding framework for achieving prosperity, security, and inclusiveness across the region. Emphasising the need for greater security cooperation, he announced that India would host the first meeting of the BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Mechanism this year, focused on cybercrime, counter-terrorism, and human trafficking. “To make BIMSTEC stronger, we have to keep expanding its scope and capacity,” he noted.

On the economic front, Modi called for boosting trade and digital connectivity. He proposed linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with payment systems in BIMSTEC countries to promote trade, tourism, and financial inclusion. He also proposed the formation of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit, alongside a feasibility study for trade in local currencies.

Disaster Response and Public Health

In the wake of a recent earthquake that affected Myanmar and Thailand, Modi expressed condolences and reaffirmed India’s role as a “first responder” in times of crisis. He proposed setting up a Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India and announced that the fourth joint BIMSTEC disaster management exercise would also be held in India later this year. India would also offer training and support in cancer care, traditional medicine, and agricultural innovation through a network of new regional institutions, he said. Highlighting India’s technological strides in the space sector, Modi invited BIMSTEC countries to collaborate on satellite manufacturing, remote sensing, and training through new ground stations.

He also unveiled the “BODHI” initiative (BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human resource Infrastructure), under which 300 youth from member countries will receive training in India each year. Additional scholarships will be offered in forestry and diplomacy through institutions like the Forest Research Institute and Nalanda University.

“We will collectively energise BIMSTEC, and it’s our youth who will take the lead,” Modi said. “BIMSTEC has the potential to be a shining example of capacity building frameworks. We will all learn from each other and grow.” To celebrate shared heritage, he announced a BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival and proposed cultural initiatives such as the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit, Hackathon, and Athletics Meet, culminating in the inaugural BIMSTEC Games in 2027 to mark the 30th anniversary of the organisation. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Thailand for its stewardship of BIMSTEC over the past three years and extended best wishes to Bangladesh, the incoming chair.