PM Modi proposes 21-point action plan to boost engagement among BIMSTEC nations

He further proposed hosting the BIMSTEC Athletics Meet in India this year and the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday proposed a 21-point action plan that includes linking India’s UPI with the payment systems of BIMSTEC nations and setting up a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce to strengthen engagement among the grouping’s members.

Addressing the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, the Prime Minister said the grouping is an important forum to further global good. “It is imperative we strengthen it and deepen our engagement. In this context, I proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of our cooperation,” Modi posted on X.

The action plan also includes BODHI, or BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure initiative. Under this, 300 youth from BIMSTEC countries will be trained in India every year. “BIMSTEC has the potential to be a shining example of capacity-building frameworks. We will all learn from each other and grow,” he said.

Under the plan, he proposed a pilot study to understand the needs of BIMSTEC countries to share the experience of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). “Additionally, I propose linking India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) with the payment systems in the BIMSTEC region. This will benefit trade, industry, and tourism at all levels,” Modi said.

To boost business across BIMSTEC nations, he also proposed setting up a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, organizing annual business summits, and exploring trade in local currencies within the region.

At the outset, the Prime Minister offered his condolences for the loss of lives and property in Myanmar and Thailand due to the devastating earthquake on March 28. “The recent earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand underscores the need to work together in the field of disaster management,” he said, proposing the establishment of the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India to enhance cooperation in disaster response, relief, and rehabilitation.

The fourth joint exercise between BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities will be held in India this year.

The BIMSTEC Summit, hosted by Thailand, was attended by leaders from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. The summit adopted the Bangkok Vision 2030 to realize the shared commitment to prosperity, security, and inclusivity in the Bay of Bengal region.

“BIMSTEC serves as a bridge connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is emerging as an effective platform to open new avenues of regional connectivity, cooperation, and prosperity,” Modi said.

He also proposed the establishment of a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India to enhance coordination in capacity building, research, innovation, and maritime policies. “The Maritime Transport Agreement signed today will strengthen cooperation in merchant shipping and cargo transport and accelerate trade,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to expand the scope and capabilities of the BIMSTEC grouping and welcomed the institutionalization of the Home Ministers Mechanism, offering to host its first meeting in India.

“This forum can play a vital role in the fight against cybercrime, cybersecurity threats, terrorism, and drug and human trafficking. In this regard, I propose to host its first meeting this year in India,” he said.

He also proposed setting up ground stations for manpower training for BIMSTEC countries, manufacturing and launching Nano Satellites, and utilizing remote sensing data.

“Let’s take our cooperation to the world of space. Let’s also make our security apparatus stronger,” he said.

Under the training and capacity-building initiative, Modi proposed scholarships for BIMSTEC students at the Forest Research Institute of India and Nalanda University. Additionally, a training program for young diplomats from BIMSTEC countries will be organized annually.

The Tata Memorial Centre will support training and capacity-building in cancer care for BIMSTEC nations. He also suggested setting up a Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine Research and another for agricultural knowledge exchange and capacity building to benefit farmers.

To enhance cultural ties, the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival will be held in India this year. He also emphasized the need for faster work on electric grid interconnection.

For youth engagement, Modi announced that the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit will be held this year, along with the BIMSTEC Hackathon and Young Professional Visitors Programme.

He further proposed hosting the BIMSTEC Athletics Meet in India this year and the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027.

“We will collectively energize BIMSTEC, and it is our youth who will take the lead,” Modi said.