Why in news?
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit was recently held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
What are the major outcomes?
- BIMSTEC comprises of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.
- The fourth summit of the BIMSTEC was attended by leaders of the seven nations of the grouping.
- The regional grouping’s Kathmandu declaration was released at the end of the summit.
- Terrorism - The Declaration focussed on backing of terror by state and non-state actors, and transnational organised crimes.
- It described terrorism as a “great threat” to international peace and security.
- It advocated targeting terrorists, terror organisations and networks.
- Besides, it called for identifying and holding accountable states and non-state entities that -
- encourage, support or finance terrorism
- provide sanctuaries to terrorists
- The declaration did not name any specific country.
- But Pakistan is often accused by its neighbours, including India, of providing safe havens to terrorists.
- Connectivity - The declaration underscored the importance of multidimensional connectivity.
- This would be a key enabler to economic integration for shared prosperity.
- Energy - An MoU was signed on establishment of the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection.
- It provides for optimisation of using energy resources in the region.
- It also facilitates promotion of efficient and secure operation of power system.
What was India's role?
- The BIMSTEC Region is a meeting point for India’s Neighbourhood First, and Act East policies.
- It offers opportunities for connectivity covering trade, economy, transport, digital and people-to-people.
- Indian PM thus made a strong pitch for enhanced regional connectivity.
- India also expressed its commitment to working with the members on combating terrorism and drug trafficking.
- BIMSTEC member states are largely situated between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.
- They hence face frequent natural disasters such as flood, cyclone and earthquake.
- India thus called for “cooperation and coordination” in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
- India will also host the International Buddhist Conclave in 2020.
- The BIMSTEC leaders were invited to attend the event as guests of honour.
- India expressed its commitment to enhance its national knowledge network.
- This was in reference to the field of digital connectivity in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
- India also plans to extend it to Myanmar and Thailand.
- India would set up a Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at the Nalanda University.
- This is to promote research on art, culture and other subjects in the Bay of Bengal.
Source: The Hindu