The 6th BIMSTEC Summit took place from 2nd to 4th April 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together leaders from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member countries: Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bangkok on 3rd April 2025, to attend the Summit. Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, he was received by Thai officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship between India and Thailand.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi engaged in several key bilateral discussions:
- With Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra: The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation, focusing on enhancing trade, investment, and connectivity. Besides a joint declaration on establishing the strategic partnership, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in digital technologies, an MoU for developing the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, and an MoU on cooperation in micro, small and medium enterprises. Two additional MoUs were signed with regards to the Northeast region in India: the first between the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the other one between North Eastern Handicrafts Development Corporation of India and the Creative Economy Agency of Thailand.
- With Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus: This meeting marked the first official interaction between the leaders since August 2024. The discussions aimed to increase stability and address security and economic collaboration.
- With Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing: The meeting addressed disaster response coordination following the recent earthquake that affected Myanmar and neighbouring regions. They also discussed infrastructure cooperation and border security measures to enhance bilateral relations.
The summit, themed “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient, and Open,” focused on several key areas:
- Maritime Cooperation: Leaders signed the Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, aiming to improve cargo and passenger transport across the Bay of Bengal, thereby enhancing trade and connectivity among member countries.
- Vision 2030 Document: The summit adopted the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, outlining a long-term plan for regional growth and development. This document emphasises collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, food security, connectivity, climate change, disaster management, and sustainable development. Global challenges such as air pollution, climate change, and pandemics highlight the urgent need to strengthen the resilience of public health systems and supply chains in the region. In response, Thailand proposed the establishment of a “BIMSTEC Tropical Medicine Excellence Centre.”
- Institutional Strengthening: Discussions included measures to enhance BIMSTEC’s institutional framework, aiming for more effective implementation of regional initiatives and better coordination among member states.
- BIMSTEC countries recognised the urgent need for a unified approach to disaster management. The summit included talks on creating early warning systems, sharing disaster management technologies, and improving regional resilience to natural calamities. These initiatives will be crucial for safeguarding lives and protecting economies in the face of the increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters that affect the Bay of Bengal region. In this regard, PM Modi proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India to facilitate cooperation in disaster preparedness, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, the fourth joint exercise among the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities will be held in India later this year.
PM Modi proposed a 21-point action plan covering various aspects of cooperation among the member states. Among other things, he proposed establishing connectivity between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the payment systems of BIMSTEC nations. He also announced that he will be extending support for training and capacity-building in cancer care across the members of BIMSTEC. He appreciated the institutionalisation of the Home Ministers and offered to host the first meeting of the ministerial body in India to fight against cybersecurity threats, terrorism, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
PM Modi also encouraged the parties to support him in establishing the BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit.
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit underscored India’s commitment to regional cooperation and stability. Through bilateral engagements and active participation in summit discussions, India reaffirmed its role as a key player in promoting economic development, connectivity, and disaster resilience in the Bay of Bengal region.
