BIMSTEC Summit 2018 - Kathmandu declaration

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 -

1. encourage, support or finance terrorism
2. 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