Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, met with the Foreign Ministers of several countries on the sidelines of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The meetings took place on 11 July 2024 in New Delhi. During the sessions, Dr. Jaishankar reviewed the existing bilateral ties and discussed ways to strengthen them.
Dr. Jaishankar met with Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, the Minister of External Affairs in Thailand, and Mr. U Than Swe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Myanmar. In a post on X, Mr. Maris noted that the discussion focused on various border issues that adversely affect Thai citizens. He also expressed Thailand’s eagerness to cooperate to ensure peace and stability in the border areas. These issues include online scams, transborder crimes, and land connectivity between India, Thailand, and Myanmar, which are central concerns of BIMSTEC. After the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar re-iterated the above concerns and added, “Countering transnational crimes including cyber, narcotics and illegal arms is a shared priority of all three nations. We will continue to cooperate in that regard.” Referring specifically to relations with Myanmar, Dr. Jaishankar emphasised on “border stability and flow of displaced persons”. They also discussed means to counter illegal arms trade and the flow of narcotics across the border.
Dr. Jaishankar also met Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, and discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two nations in diverse areas. Following the high-level meeting, the former wrote on X, “The frequent high-level exchanges reflect the strength of Maitri. Discussed ways of advancing it further.” Such remarks indicate the significance of India-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
Dr. Jaishankar met Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, Sewa Lamsal, and discussed the steady growth of bilateral relations with Nepal. Ms. Sewa also led the Nepalese delegation to meet Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi after meeting with Dr. Jaishankar.
Dr. Jaishankar also received the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tharaka Balasuriya, on the sidelines of BIMSTEC and discussed the bilateral partnership between India and Sri Lanka. Mr. Tharaka said the meeting focused on “matters of bilateral interest, including connectivity and regional cooperation.”
The Foreign Minister of Bhutan, Mr. DN Dhungyel, met Dr. Jaishankar, too. Their discussion focused on ways to continue the friendly relations between India and Bhutan. Dr. Jaishankar remarked that the two dignitaries “Exchanged views on taking forward our unique ties of friendship and goodwill.” Mr. Dhungyel’s first visit to India after assuming the office of the Foreign Minister was in February 2024, during which he participated in the Raisina Dialogue. Even then, Dr. Jaishankar had hailed both nations’ unique partnership.
The BIMSTEC comprises seven partner nations: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. The forum provides a platform for the foreign ministers of the member nations to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in diverse sectors, including security, connectivity, and trade.
