In an opaque reference to China's growing assertiveness in the region, Modi told the grouping that a “free, open, secure and safe Indian Ocean is our shared priority” and that the Maritime Transport Agreement concluded at the sixth summit will strengthen cooperation in merchant shipping and cargo transport
New Delhi: Leveraging India’s economic and technological prowess, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday proposed a 21-point action plan, including linking India's UPI with the payment systems of Bimstec states, establishing a chamber of commerce for the region and organising a business summit every year in India, at the sixth Bimstec summit held in the Thai capital of Bangkok.
Addressing the summit, the Prime Minister described the grouping as a “vital bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia”.
The regional grouping comprises seven countries — India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. “For us, Bimstec is not merely a regional organisation. It is a model for inclusive development and collective security. It stands as a testament to our shared commitments and the strength of our unity. It embodies the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas’ (solidarity, progress and efforts of all),” he said.
In an opaque reference to China's growing assertiveness in the region, Modi told the grouping that a “free, open, secure and safe Indian Ocean is our shared priority” and that the Maritime Transport Agreement concluded at the sixth summit will strengthen cooperation in merchant shipping and cargo transport, giving a significant boost to trade across the region.
The Prime Minister said that the Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India “will focus on capacity building, research, innovation and fostering greater coordination in maritime policy and also serve as a catalyst for enhancing our cooperation in maritime security across the region”.
Pointing out that the home ministers’ mechanism in the grouping is being “institutionalised”, Modi said, “This forum can play a major role in the fight against cyber crime, cyber security threats, terrorism, drug trafficking and human trafficking. In this regard, I propose that India host the first meeting of this mechanism later this year.”
Highlighting that India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) has revolutionised the delivery of public services and accelerated financial inclusion, the Prime Minister “proposed establishing connectivity between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the payment systems of Bimstec member states” and suggested that a feasibility study be conducted “to explore the potential for trade in local currencies within the Bimstec region”.
Modi asserted that “such integration would bring substantial benefits across trade, industry, and tourism, enhancing economic activity at all levels”.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister said, “For regional development, physical connectivity must go hand in hand with digital and energy connectivity. I am pleased to note that the Bimstec Energy Centre, based in Bengaluru, has commenced its operations. I would like to propose that our teams accelerate efforts towards achieving electric grid interconnection across the region.”
Pointing out that trade and business connectivity are equally vital to our collective progress, Modi proposed the establishment of a Bimstec Chamber of Commerce with an annual Bimstec business summit to foster greater economic engagement.
Referring to the earthquake that ravaged Myanmar and also affected Thailand, Modi said that while natural disasters may be unavoidable, our preparedness and ability to respond swiftly must always remain unwavering. He then proposed the establishment of a Bimstec centre of excellence for disaster management in India.
Modi told the grouping that “India has always stood by its friends as a first responder in times of crisis” and that “we consider it a privilege to have been able to deliver timely relief to the people of Myanmar” following the devastating earthquake there.
Terming public health a “vital pillar of our collective social development”, Modi said, “I am pleased to announce that India will extend support for training and capacity building in cancer care across Bimstec countries. In line with our holistic approach to health, a Centre of Excellence will also be established to promote research and dissemination of traditional medicine."
The Prime Minister also proposed the establishment of a centre of excellence in India focused on research collaboration and capacity building in the agriculture sector, the establishment of a ground station for manpower training, development and launch of nano-satellites and the use of remote sensing data for the Bimstec countries.
To enhance youth skilling across the region, Modi added, “We are launching the Bodhi (Bimstec for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure) initiative. Under this programme, 300 young individuals from Bimstec member countries will receive training in India each year. Scholarships will be offered to Bimstec students at India’s Forestry Research Institute and the scholarship scheme at Nalanda University will also be expanded.
On the cultural front, Modi said, “Our shared cultural heritage forms a strong foundation for our enduring ties. The ‘Bali Jatra’ of Odisha, the deep-rooted historical links between Buddhist and Hindu traditions and the linguistic affinities among us — all stand as powerful symbols of our cultural interconnectedness. To celebrate and showcase these bonds, India will host the inaugural Bimstec traditional music festival later this year.”
Modi added: “To foster greater exchange among our youth, the Bimstec young leaders’ summit will be held later this year. We will also launch the Bimstec hackathon and the young professional visitors programme to encourage innovation and collaboration. In the field of sports, India proposes to host the Bimstec athletics meet this year. And looking ahead to 2027, on the occasion of Bimstec’s 30th anniversary, we are pleased to announce that India will host the inaugural Bimstec Games.
The Bimstec summit hosted by Thailand as the chair of the regional grouping on the theme “Bimstec: Prosperous, Resilient and Open” also adopted the Bimstec declaration and the Bimstec Bangkok Vision 2030 document, which lays out the roadmap for the collective prosperity of the region” and also inked the Bimstec maritime transport agreement.
A report of the Bimstec eminent persons group constituted to make recommendations for future direction for Bimstec was also adopted at the summit.
