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BIMSTEC, established in 1997 with the Bangkok Declaration, initially began as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation). It expanded with Myanmar’s inclusion in 1997 and Bhutan and Nepal joining in 2004, forming the current seven-member regional group. Strategically positioned at the intersection of South and Southeast Asia it accounts for around 22% of the global population.

Geopolitical Significance of the Bay of Bengal in light of BIMSTEC’s recent revival

• Strategic Location and Historical Linkages: The Bay of Bengal serves as a natural geographical bridge connecting South and Southeast Asia, with Myanmar acting as the critical link.
  For example: During the British colonial period, the Bay functioned as a vital hub of imperial power projection, linking India with Burma, the Malacca Strait, and the wider East Asian region.
• Renewed Geopolitical Importance: The stagnation of SAARC, primarily due to Pakistan’s obstructionism, has led to BIMSTEC gaining traction as an alternative platform for regional cooperation, free from veto politics.
  For example: The Bay of Bengal has regained geopolitical relevance due to renewed great power competition, particularly China’s assertiveness and the US-China rivalry.
• China’s Presence and the Indo-Pacific Context: China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean Region through port investments (e.g., Kyaukpyu in Myanmar, Hambantota in Sri Lanka) and increased naval activities has heightened the need for regional strategic coordination.
  For example: BIMSTEC holds potential as a strategic counterbalance, aligning regional actors with India’s broader Indo-Pacific vision.
• Maritime Security and Internal Instability in Myanmar: The political turmoil and weakened territorial control in post-coup Myanmar undermine its potential role as a land and maritime connectivity hub.
  For example: Ensuring maritime security and addressing transnational threats such as piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing require deeper regional cooperation.
• Persistent Bilateral Frictions Among Members: Disputes like the Rohingya crisis and India-Bangladesh tensions hinder regional unity and coordinated action within BIMSTEC.

Economic Significance of the Bay of Bengal in light of BIMSTEC’s recent revival

• Market Size and Growth Potential: BIMSTEC comprises around 1.8 billion people, accounting for 22% of the global population, and a collective GDP of $ 5 trillion, contributing approximately 4% to global GDP.
• Trade and Connectivity Opportunities: The Bay of Bengal provides the shortest maritime link between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, making it strategically important for trade and energy security.
  For Example: Projects like Sagarmala and the development of India’s east coast ports can enhance trade volume and economic integration across the region.
• Revival of Underutilised Economic Corridors: Several infrastructure and connectivity projects, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway, the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, and BBIN sub-regional cooperation, have been delayed.
• Energy and Renewable Cooperation: With high energy demands, BIMSTEC countries can benefit from cross-border electricity trade and regional renewable energy initiatives.
  For example: India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) and planned regional grid projects offer frameworks for energy security.
• Maritime Economy and Blue Growth: The Bay of Bengal holds vast potential for blue economy sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and offshore energy.

External Challenges to BIMSTEC and Bay of Bengal 

• SAARC Legacy and Pakistan Factor: BIMSTEC is often viewed as a fallback to SAARC, which has been inactive since 2014 due to Pakistan’s resistance to regional cooperation involving India.
• Renewed Great Power Rivalries: China’s naval expansion and port investments, along with US-China tensions, have turned the Bay into a strategic contest zone.
  For example: China operates over 18 ports across the Indian Ocean as part of its “String of Pearls” strategy.
• Instability in Myanmar: Myanmar’s post-coup crisis (since 2021) has disrupted regional connectivity efforts, delaying projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Project.
• Persistent Bilateral Disputes: Ongoing tensions, including the Rohingya refugee crisis and recent diplomatic rifts between India and Bangladesh post-regime change, weaken intra-group trust.
• Weak Institutional Mechanisms: BIMSTEC lacks ASEAN-style dispute resolution, ASEAN-X principle and institutional depth, limiting its ability to overcome political differences and coordinate effectively.
• Limited Economic Integration: Intra-BIMSTEC trade remains below 6% of total trade among member states, indicating underutilised economic potential despite geographic proximity.
• External Influence and Strategic Asymmetries: China’s strategic investments—e.g., Kyaukpyu Port (Myanmar) and Hambantota Port (Sri Lanka)—increase member dependence and dilute BIMSTEC’s collective autonomy.

India’s leading role in fostering regional cooperation amidst external challenges

• Enhancing Regional Transport Networks: BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity (2022) aims to improve multimodal connectivity.
• Boosting Maritime Connectivity: Upgrading Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Kolkata ports for BIMSTEC shipping routes. Developing BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) inland waterway connectivity.
• Fast-Tracking the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Intra-regional trade is only 6% compared to 25% in ASEAN (UNESCAP, 2023).
  For Example: India’s trade with Bangladesh alone crossed $18 billion in 2023, highlighting regional trade potential.
• Strengthening Maritime Security Cooperation: Expanding naval exercises & joint patrols under India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative & Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
  For Example: The Milan Naval Exercise (2024) saw participation from BIMSTEC nations, enhancing regional security coordination.
• Building Disaster Resilience: Establishing a BIMSTEC Disaster Relief Force for coordinated response to cyclones and tsunamis. Investing in early warning systems and climate adaptation projects.
  For Example: India led Cyclone Mocha relief operations (2023) in Bangladesh and Myanmar, showcasing regional leadership.
• Countering China’s Influence in the Region: Providing alternatives to China’s BRI via grants-based infrastructure funding.
  For Example: India is developing Myanmar’s Sittwe Port to counterbalance China’s control over Kyaukpyu Port.

India’s leadership is vital to BIMSTEC’s success in trade, security, and sustainability. By fast-tracking the FTA, enhancing maritime and digital connectivity, boosting security ties, and promoting clean energy and the blue economy, India can transform BIMSTEC into a resilient and dynamic regional bloc.

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