The 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is set to convene on April 4, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, marking a significant milestone in fostering regional integration among its seven member states—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
6th BIMSTEC Summit: A New Era of Regional Cooperation and Prosperity
Hosted under the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC,” this summit comes three years after the virtual 5th Summit in Colombo in 2022 and promises to be a pivotal moment for the Bay of Bengal region. With a robust agenda focused on trade, security, connectivity, and sustainable development, the 6th BIMSTEC Summit is poised to redefine the organization’s role in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Latest Updates from the Summit
The summit, preceded by the BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting on April 2 and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on April 3, is buzzing with anticipation as leaders prepare to adopt key frameworks and agreements. According to the BIMSTEC Secretariat, the highlight of the summit will be the adoption of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit Declaration, which will encapsulate the leaders’ collective vision for the region’s future. Another landmark moment will be the endorsement of the Bangkok Vision 2030, a forward-looking roadmap designed to guide cooperation among member states toward peace, stability, and economic sustainability by 2030. This vision aligns with global goals, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reflects Thailand’s emphasis on a Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model.
Key agreements slated for signing include the Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, aimed at enhancing cargo and passenger movement across the Bay of Bengal to boost trade and tourism. Additionally, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will mark the beginning of strategic partnerships to address regional security and developmental challenges. The summit will also formalize the Rules of Procedure for BIMSTEC Mechanisms, complementing the BIMSTEC Charter signed in 2022, to strengthen the institutional framework of the organization.
A significant update is the presentation of the Report of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the Future Direction of BIMSTEC. Finalized in September 2024 after six meetings and extensive stakeholder consultations, this report offers actionable recommendations to enhance BIMSTEC’s efficacy, with member states already initiating implementation steps.
A Platform for Economic and Security Synergy
BIMSTEC, established in 1997 via the Bangkok Declaration, represents a unique bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, encompassing 22% of the world’s population and a combined GDP of approximately USD 4.4 trillion. The 6th Summit arrives at a critical juncture, with the region facing challenges such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, and economic recovery post-pandemic. The focus on trade facilitation, connectivity, and security cooperation underscores BIMSTEC’s ambition to unlock its economic potential while addressing shared vulnerabilities.
The Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, adopted in 2022, will receive renewed emphasis, with discussions on accelerating the implementation of its 264 projects, valued at USD 126 billion. These initiatives, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aim to enhance regional and domestic connectivity—a cornerstone for economic integration. However, experts note that securing additional funding and expediting unfinished projects, such as coastal shipping and energy grid connections, remain key challenges.
On the security front, BIMSTEC’s progress since the first Multinational Military Field Training Exercise (MILEX-18) in 2018 continues to inspire confidence. The summit will likely build on this momentum, fostering collaboration in counterterrorism, disaster management, and maritime security—areas where India, as the lead nation for the security pillar, plays a pivotal role.
India’s Leadership and Regional Aspirations
India’s commitment to BIMSTEC is evident in its proactive stance at the summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation underscores India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies, positioning BIMSTEC as a counterbalance to stalled progress in SAARC and a strategic response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region. India’s offer of USD 1 million to bolster the BIMSTEC Secretariat’s budget in 2022, coupled with its support for the EPG, highlights its leadership in driving the grouping forward.
Posts on X and recent analyses suggest that stakeholders view India’s role as crucial in addressing intra-group power imbalances and facilitating cross-border investments. The Asian Confluence recently emphasized the need for a well-resourced Secretariat and stronger economic integration—sentiments echoed by business leaders and policymakers ahead of the summit.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite its promise, BIMSTEC faces hurdles. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA), negotiated since 2004, remains incomplete, with only two of seven constituent agreements finalized. Bilateral issues, such as the Rohingya crisis between Myanmar and Bangladesh, and border tensions between Myanmar and Thailand, could impede progress if not addressed through sustained dialogue. Moreover, the organization’s broad focus—spanning agriculture, climate change, technology, and more—requires prioritization to ensure tangible outcomes.
Yet, the opportunities are immense. With Thailand handing over the chairmanship to Bangladesh post-summit, there’s potential for renewed momentum. The Bangkok Vision 2030 could serve as a catalyst, fostering a “prosperous, resilient, and open” BIMSTEC that attracts global investment and strengthens regional resilience.
Conclusion
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit is more than a diplomatic gathering—it’s a testament to the region’s resolve to transform challenges into opportunities. As Business Connect Magazine observes, this summit could herald a new era of prosperity for the Bay of Bengal region, provided member states match their ambitious vision with actionable commitments. With the world watching, BIMSTEC stands at a crossroads, ready to emerge as a dynamic force in regional cooperation.
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