Key Discussions at 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat

Source: The post key discussions at 2nd BIMSTEC foreign ministers’ retreat has been created, based on the article “A new push in the Bay of Bengal” published in “The Hindu” on 27th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in New Delhi to discuss cooperation in security, trade, and connectivity. The retreat prepared for the sixth summit. The event highlighted India’s strategic focus on strengthening ties with its eastern neighbors.

For detailed information on BIMSTEC read this article here

What Were the Key Discussions at the Retreat?

The retreat was divided into two parts:

1. First Session:
2. Assessment of Cooperation: Participants reviewed the current state of regional cooperation within BIMSTEC.
3. Implementation of Outcomes: India presented key outcomes from the 1st Retreat.
4. Centers of Excellence: Ideas were shared for establishing centers focusing on Agriculture, Disaster Management, and Maritime Transport.
5. Health Initiatives: India supported cancer research and e-visas for patients from BIMSTEC states; Sri Lanka proposed focusing on kidney disease.
6. Private Sector Involvement: Highlighted the need for private sector participation in trade and promotion of young entrepreneurs.
7. Security Concerns: Emphasized the importance of connectivity, cybersecurity, and countering trafficking of narcotics and illegal arms.
8. Second Session:
9. Country Expectations: Discussed individual countries’ expectations for the upcoming summit.
10. Resource Mapping: Sri Lanka stressed the need to map mineral resources and integrate production stages.
11. Blue Economy: Bangladesh highlighted cooperation in the Blue Economy and suggested banning fishing during breeding seasons.
12. Tourism and Culture: Bhutan emphasized tourism and cultural exchanges.
13. Regional Synergy: Nepal promoted a ‘whole of the region’ approach for a results-oriented forum.
14. Non-traditional Security: Thailand and Myanmar discussed non-traditional security domains and combating online scams.

What is the Significance of These Developments?

1. Strategic Positioning: Enhances India’s role in the Bay of Bengal, countering China’s influence and strengthening regional stability.
2. Economic Access: Provides the northeastern region with crucial sea access via Bangladesh and Myanmar.
3. Regional Cooperation: Fosters collaboration in cancer research, e-visas, and combating illegal activities, improving overall regional health and security.
4. Indo-Pacific Presence: Reinforces India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific by aligning with ASEAN members, Myanmar, and Thailand.
5. Resource Management: Encourages sustainable development through resource mapping and Blue Economy initiatives, such as Sri Lanka’s mineral resource mapping and Bangladesh’s focus on sustainable fishing.
6. Policy Milestone: Marks a decade of India’s “Act East” and “Neighbourhood First” policies, reflecting ongoing efforts to nurture regional collaboration.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key initiatives and areas of cooperation highlighted at the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat held in New Delhi.