BIMSTEC- DISASTER MANAGEMENT EXERCISE (DMEX) 2020

BIMSTEC's journey began in 1997 with a focus on economic cooperation between four nations: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The Bangkok Declaration marked the organization's inception, and it was initially named 'BIST-EC' (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation).

Expansion and Name Changes

• 1997: Myanmar joined BIMSTEC, leading to a name change to 'BIMST-EC' (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
• 2004: Nepal and Bhutan were welcomed as members, solidifying BIMSTEC's regional reach. This expansion prompted a final name change to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Growing Recognition

• 2016: BIMSTEC's 'Leader Retreat' and the 'Outreach Summit' held in collaboration with BRICS leaders in Goa garnered significant international attention. These events highlighted BIMSTEC's growing importance on the global stage.
• 2019: A notable shift occurred when leaders from BIMSTEC member states, instead of SAARC, were invited as guests of honour to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second swearing-in ceremony. This action underscored India's growing focus on BIMSTEC's potential.

India's Vision

India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, emphasized the potential of BIMSTEC as a powerful combination of "Energy, Mindset and Possibility," hinting at the organization's promising future for fostering regional cooperation.

From its initial focus on economic collaboration among four countries, BIMSTEC has evolved into a broader platform for multi-sectoral cooperation, encompassing seven member states. Its growing recognition and India's strategic vision position BIMSTEC as a key player in shaping the Bay of Bengal region's economic and political landscape.

BIMSTEC, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, operates based on several key principles.

• BIMSTEC upholds the principle of sovereign equality among its member states, recognizing each country as an equal partner in the regional cooperation process.
• The organization adheres to the principle of non-discrimination, promoting equal opportunities and treatment for all member states regardless of their size, population, or economic status.
• BIMSTEC members are committed to respecting each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
• BIMSTEC emphasizes the importance of cooperation and collaboration among its member states in various sectors, including trade, technology, energy, tourism, and fisheries. By working together, member countries can achieve common goals and address shared challenges.
• BIMSTEC is committed to being an inclusive organization that welcomes the participation of all countries in the Bay of Bengal region. While the organization's primary focus is on its seven member states, it also engages with other regional and international partners to promote cooperation and development.
• BIMSTEC promotes the peaceful resolution of disputes among its member states through dialogue, negotiation, and diplomatic means. The organization encourages its members to resolve differences constructively and cooperatively, respecting international law and norms.
• BIMSTEC is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and economic growth in the Bay of Bengal region. The organization's activities and initiatives are guided by a commitment to improving the well-being and livelihoods of the people in its member states.

By upholding these principles, BIMSTEC aims to foster cooperation, stability, and prosperity in the Bay of Bengal region for the collective benefit of its member states and the wider community.

4. BIMSTEC's Institutional Mechanisms

BIMSTEC functions through a well-defined structure that facilitates communication, decision-making, and collaboration among member states. 

• Summit is the highest policy-making body within BIMSTEC. Heads of government from all member states convene at the Summit to discuss critical issues, set strategic direction, and make crucial decisions for the organization's future.
• The second-highest policy-making body, the Ministerial Meeting brings together the External Affairs/Foreign Ministers of member states. They address key areas of cooperation, review progress on ongoing initiatives, and provide guidance for future actions.
• Senior Officials (Secretaries) from the respective External Affairs/Foreign Affairs Ministries of member states attend the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM). They work on preparing agendas for Ministerial Meetings and Summits, ensuring smooth operation and facilitating communication between member states.
• The Working Group Meeting mechanism fosters collaboration at a working level. Ambassadors to Bangladesh from each member state meet monthly at the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka. Working Groups focus on specific areas of cooperation, like trade, technology, or tourism, and propose concrete action plans to achieve BIMSTEC's objectives.
• Business Forum and Economic Forum play a crucial role in engaging the private sector. They provide platforms for businesses from member countries to connect, explore opportunities for collaboration, and contribute to BIMSTEC's economic development goals.

This comprehensive institutional framework ensures effective communication, collaborative decision-making, and active participation from all stakeholders, driving BIMSTEC's progress towards a more integrated and prosperous Bay of Bengal region.

5. BIMSTEC's Areas of Cooperation

BIMSTEC's focus extends beyond just political cooperation. It fosters collaboration across a wide range of sectors crucial for regional development. 

• BIMSTEC works to promote trade liberalization, attract investments, and improve ease of doing business across borders.
• Transport and Communication area focuses on enhancing physical connectivity through improved infrastructure, such as roads, railways, waterways, and telecommunication networks.
• Cooperation in this sector aims to ensure energy security, explore renewable energy sources, and facilitate cross-border energy trade.
• BIMSTEC promotes tourism within the region by developing multi-destination tourist circuits and fostering cultural exchange.
• Collaboration focuses on knowledge sharing, developing technological capabilities, and promoting innovation across member states.
• Sustainable management of fisheries resources, promoting aquaculture, and developing the fisheries industry are key aspects of cooperation in this area.
• BIMSTEC works towards improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting regional trade in agricultural products.
• Cooperation aims to combat communicable diseases, improve healthcare infrastructure, and share best practices in public health management.
• BIMSTEC strives to create opportunities for economic empowerment, improve living standards, and address regional poverty challenges.
• Member states collaborate to combat terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and other transnational threats.
• BIMSTEC works towards environmental protection, promoting sustainable practices, and building resilience against natural disasters.
• People-to-people contact encourages cultural exchange, and educational cooperation, and promotes closer ties among the people of the member states.
• BIMSTEC fosters appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the region through collaborative events, knowledge sharing, and preservation efforts.
• Member states work together to address climate change challenges, promoting mitigation strategies and adaptation measures.

With India taking the lead role in areas like counterterrorism, telecommunications, transport, and transnational crime, BIMSTEC presents a comprehensive approach to regional cooperation, aiming for a more secure, prosperous, and sustainable Bay of Bengal region.

6. First Meeting of the National Security Chiefs of BIMSTEC

The first meeting of the National Security Chiefs of the BIMSTEC member states was held on March 21, 2017, hosted by India in New Delhi. This meeting marked a significant step forward in regional security cooperation for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Key Points about the Meeting

• The primary aim of the meeting was to discuss and formulate strategies to address common security challenges faced by BIMSTEC member countries. These challenges included terrorism, violent extremism, radicalization, cyber security, maritime security (including issues like piracy and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief), and the use of emerging space technologies for security purposes.
• The meeting resulted in a decision to enhance cooperation among member states on these security issues. Discussions were also held on the possibility of establishing a BIMSTEC Himalayan Security Council to study and address security concerns specific to the Himalayan region.

Significance of the Meeting

• The meeting marked a crucial step towards establishing a robust security architecture within BIMSTEC. It fostered closer collaboration among member states in tackling transnational security threats.
• By working together, BIMSTEC nations can develop more effective strategies to combat terrorism, piracy, and other security threats impacting the Bay of Bengal region.
• Discussions on utilizing space technology for security purposes highlighted BIMSTEC's commitment to leveraging technological advancements for regional security.

Further Developments

• While the first meeting paved the way for security cooperation, there haven't been subsequent meetings of the National Security Chiefs reported publicly as of today (April 8, 2024).
• The Expert Group on Space Security Cooperation under BIMSTEC has yet to convene its first meeting.

The first meeting of the National Security Chiefs of BIMSTEC member states was a positive step towards ensuring regional security and stability in the Bay of Bengal.

7. Significance of BIMSTEC

BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, holds significant importance due to several reasons:

• BIMSTEC brings together nations located around the Bay of Bengal, an area of increasing geopolitical importance due to its strategic location and economic potential. The member countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• BIMSTEC fosters regional cooperation and integration among its member states, promoting economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
• The organization aims to enhance trade and investment opportunities among member countries by facilitating greater economic cooperation, reducing trade barriers, and promoting connectivity through infrastructure development projects.
• BIMSTEC addresses common security challenges faced by member states, including terrorism, transnational crime, maritime security, and natural disasters. Cooperation in these areas helps strengthen regional security and stability.
• BIMSTEC promotes cooperation in the energy sector, including the development and utilization of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency initiatives, and the establishment of energy infrastructure projects to meet the growing energy demands of member countries.
• BIMSTEC facilitates cultural exchange and people-to-people interactions among member states, promoting understanding, tolerance, and friendship among the diverse communities in the region.
• BIMSTEC focuses on enhancing sub-regional connectivity through initiatives such as the BIMSTEC Motor Vehicle Agreement and the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement, which aim to improve transport links and facilitate the movement of goods and people within the region.

BIMSTEC plays a crucial role in promoting regional cooperation, economic development, and security in the Bay of Bengal region, contributing to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for its member states.

8. BIMSTEC Importance to India