BANGKOK – The 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit is scheduled for April 4 in Bangkok, Thailand. Under the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC,” the summit is poised to chart a decisive course for deeper integration, enhanced trade, and robust regional cooperation among its seven member states — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Coming three years after the 5th Summit, which was hosted virtually by Colombo in 2022, this edition reflects a renewed commitment to face shared geopolitical, economic, and developmental challenges head-on. The Bangkok summit will be preceded by a Senior Officials Meeting on April 2 and a Foreign or External Affairs Ministers’ Meeting on April 3, forming a comprehensive preparatory framework for leaders’ deliberations.
A Forward-Looking Agenda Rooted in Practical Cooperation
The key highlight of the summit will be the adoption of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit Declaration, encapsulating a collective vision for sustainable growth and resilience in the Bay of Bengal region. Alongside this, the unveiling of the Bangkok Vision 2030 will provide a structured roadmap for collaboration over the coming decade, outlining priorities across trade, security, and connectivity.
Leaders are also expected to approve the Rules of Procedure for BIMSTEC Mechanisms, providing greater clarity and consistency in the functioning of the regional body. These rules aim to complement the BIMSTEC Charter, which was signed in 2022 during the 5th Summit, solidifying the institutional foundation of the organization.
Key Agreements to Propel Connectivity and Security
Among the most anticipated outcomes of the summit is the Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, a landmark initiative aimed at easing the flow of goods and people across the Bay of Bengal. This agreement is projected to improve port infrastructure, streamline cargo handling, and create efficient passenger routes among member states, thus enhancing intraregional trade and connectivity.
Furthermore, the summit will witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). These partnerships are designed to address transnational challenges, including organized crime, human trafficking, and maritime security, while opening new avenues for cooperation in governance and regional integration.
Eminent Persons Group Report to Shape Strategic Direction
The Report of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the Future Direction of BIMSTEC is set to be tabled during the summit. After months of internal deliberations and consultations held across six sessions in 2024, the report is expected to offer strategic recommendations on revitalizing BIMSTEC’s institutional mechanisms and aligning its goals with member countries’ national priorities. Early implementation of the report’s suggestions has already begun in several capitals, reflecting political will across the bloc.
A Region at Crossroads: Responding to Global Uncertainties
Amid geopolitical flux, rising protectionism, and environmental stress, the Bangkok summit comes at a time when regional collaboration is no longer optional but imperative. BIMSTEC member states collectively represent over 22% of the global population and cover an area rich in natural resources and strategic maritime routes. Yet, the region also grapples with vulnerabilities ranging from climate change and energy insecurity to uneven development and geopolitical competition.
The summit provides an opportunity to reinforce BIMSTEC’s standing as the only regional organization exclusively focused on the Bay of Bengal, enabling it to serve as a platform for both conflict prevention and socio-economic advancement. The collective goal is to transition from coexistence to active cooperation, unlocking opportunities in blue economy sectors, green technology, and sustainable infrastructure.
Focus Areas: From Agriculture to Artificial Intelligence
The Bangkok gathering will also delve into sectoral cooperation across 14 identified priority areas, with particular attention on:
- Agriculture and food security: ensuring stability in food production and distribution networks amid global supply chain disruptions.
- Environment and climate change: aligning regional policies with global emission targets while pursuing local adaptation strategies.
- Science, technology, and innovation: promoting digital public infrastructure, AI-driven solutions, and joint research platforms.
- Security cooperation: strengthening coordination on counterterrorism, cyber threats, and human trafficking.
Additional emphasis will be placed on people-to-people connectivity, through educational exchanges, tourism facilitation, and cultural engagement — viewed as essential elements for building trust and shared identity among member states.
Enhancing Institutional Capacity and Financial Resources
While the BIMSTEC Secretariat, based in Dhaka, continues to serve as the organizational nucleus, efforts are underway to bolster its operational capacity. Delegates are expected to discuss sustainable financing models, including contributions from member states and multilateral partners, to support ongoing and upcoming projects.
This includes capacity-building programs, technology transfers, and regional development initiatives that aim to reduce disparities among smaller economies and elevate BIMSTEC’s global profile. In this context, Thailand’s role as the host and rotating Chair becomes critical, offering both logistical leadership and diplomatic weight.
Strategic Geopolitical Implications
Beyond regional development, the summit carries significant geopolitical overtones. As major powers deepen their interest in the Indo-Pacific, BIMSTEC serves as a potential counterbalance — offering a neutral platform that emphasizes rules-based cooperation, maritime security, and economic openness. The organization has consistently maintained a non-aligned posture, positioning itself as a pragmatic vehicle for regional consensus-building.
With India and Thailand leading several sub-sectoral initiatives and Myanmar currently under international scrutiny, the summit is also expected to walk a delicate line in addressing internal governance concerns without derailing the broader cooperative agenda.
Member States’ Interests and Expectations
India, with its “Act East” policy, sees BIMSTEC as an essential link to Southeast Asia and a means to extend its neighborhood-first diplomacy. Bangladesh, as host of the Secretariat, is likely to advocate for greater development finance and stronger mechanisms to address climate vulnerability. Nepal and Bhutan, landlocked yet strategically placed, are expected to push for improved land and air connectivity. Sri Lanka, reeling from economic pressures, is focusing on trade facilitation and tourism revival, while Thailand, the host, seeks to position itself as the diplomatic linchpin for the Bay of Bengal corridor.
Despite their different development levels and political systems, all member states share an interest in regional stability, shared prosperity, and strategic autonomy.
Prospects Beyond the Summit
If implemented effectively, the Bangkok Vision 2030 and other summit declarations can reshape BIMSTEC into a dynamic regional bloc capable of influencing both regional and global agendas. The outcomes of the summit will not only be judged by the number of documents signed but also by the political resolve to implement agreed goals on the ground.
Challenges remain, particularly in aligning national interests, mobilizing funds, and maintaining momentum beyond summit-level rhetoric. However, the groundwork being laid in Bangkok signals a shift from aspiration to action.
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit marks a critical juncture in the region’s collective journey. With high-level participation, tangible agreements, and strategic vision documents set for adoption, the summit aims to translate longstanding goals into measurable outcomes. In a region marked by complexity and promise, BIMSTEC stands as a platform of convergence, offering its member states a shared path toward resilient growth, deeper integration, and sustainable peace.
