Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
Syllabusregional and global groupings and agreements involving India
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an intergovernmental grouping of seven South and Southeast Asian countries connected with the Bay of Bengal region. It seeks to convert their geographical proximity and shared interests into regional economic integration, social progress, security and practical cooperation.
Regional identity and purpose
BIMSTEC was established through the Bangkok Declaration of 1997. Its members are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, making it a bridge between South and Southeast Asia while including both coastal and landlocked states of the Bay of Bengal region.
Principal objectives
- It aims to create conditions for rapid economic development through specific cooperative projects in agreed sectors.
- It seeks to accelerate economic growth and social progress through joint endeavours based on equality and partnership.
- It promotes trade, investment and multidimensional connectivity as foundations for regional integration and shared prosperity.
- It encourages mutual assistance through training, research, technical cooperation and exchanges in economic, social, scientific and technological fields.
- It pursues poverty eradication and cooperation that complements the national development plans of member states and produces tangible benefits.
- It promotes peace and stability through cooperation against terrorism, transnational organised crime, natural disasters, climate change and communicable diseases.
Fields of cooperation
These objectives are pursued through seven broad sectors: trade, investment and development; environment and climate change; security; agriculture and food security; people-to-people contact; science, technology and innovation; and connectivity. Cooperation is guided by sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference, peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit.
How UPSC asks this
BIMSTEC may be tested through its members, founding declaration, geographical scope and cooperation sectors.
Questions focus on its objectives, role in connecting South and Southeast Asia, contribution to regional integration and importance for India’s neighbourhood and Indo-Pacific engagement.
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