It recognised that 16 areas of cooperation represents too wide a spectrum and the BIMSTEC Govts will make a serious endeavour to review, restructure and rationalise various sectors, identifying a few core areas. for Us, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. At least, six legal instruments are awaiting finalization, only one i.e. The establishment of a technology transfer facility in Colombo. It has a formally listed purpose and principles that it is going to adhere to. History - Home-The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Other regional organizations that India plays a strong role in include: (Association of South-East Asian Nations), established in 1967, which aims for economic integration initiatives in East Asia including the ASEAN Free trade agreement (AFTA). For example, the Indian government has invested in the development of the Trincomalee port in Sri Lanka, which could serve as a transhipment hub for goods moving between India and Southeast Asia. ABOUT BIMSTEC - Home-The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Finally, while all member-states are equal, three have a special responsibility and all members must be the engine to pull the BIMSTEC train with imagination and determination. Get briefed on the story of the week, and developing stories to watch across the Asia-Pacific. Constitute an addition to and not be a substitute for bilateral, regional or multilateral cooperation involving the Member States. Overview Test Series BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, and it was formed on 6th June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration and is headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh. As a trade bloc, BIMSTEC provides many opportunities. A meeting of Home Ministers is planned; this will be in addition to the annual meetings of NSAs & meeting of army chiefs. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. Myanmar is currently dominated by an armed military coup that is being continuously protested by the countrys citizens. Enjoying this article? BIMSTEC is a post-cold war product that mainly focuses on the technological and economic development among the member-states. How to Prepare for UPSC in 1 Year? region and to cater to the concept of the Indo-Pacific region, a major focus of Quad countries. Home International Relations India and its neighborhood India and South Asia Regional Co-operation BIMSTEC. A successful landing would make India the fourth country after the United States, the Soviet Union, and China to achieve the feat. Also read: International Organizations and their Headquarters for UPSC here. No. It talked about various connectivity measures like trade connectivity, economic connectivity, transport connectivity, digital connectivity etc. Strongly driven by her zodiac sign Sagittarius, Shilpa loves to live her life on her own notes and completely agrees with the idea of live and let live. This will make it an amazing alternative to SAARC in terms of the South Asian and South East nations multiregional cooperation. Terrorist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda have established a presence in several South Asian countries, and their activities could destabilize the region and harm cooperation efforts. BIMSTEC didnt have an official head office andmeetingswere held at the Thai foreign ministry in Bangkok until it was given headquarters in Dhaka in 2011. BIMSTEC came into being on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. BIMSTEC Secretariat. Reimagining BIMSTEC: Strengthening Regional Solidarity Across the - ORF An agreement was finalized that the Bay of Bengal region will be recognized as a Common Security Space and various joint measures will be taken for the same. Two important organizations in which India plays a leading role are the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (, ) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and. One major challenge is the ongoing territorial disputes between India and its neighbours, including China, Pakistan, and Nepal. The final BIMSTEC members comprise seven countries in total. A landmark achievement for BIMSTEC was the establishment of a permanent secretariat in Dhaka. What about current circumstances? SAARC is a purely regional organisation, whereas BIMSTEC is interregional and attempts at connecting both South Asia and ASEAN. the BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Working Group, which held its inception meeting in Bangkok in 2016. During the meeting, the foreign secretaries of the member states recommended the appointment of the next secretary general, Tenzin Lekphell nominated by Bhutan. Money, Tokyo Report, Trans-Pacific Just $5 a month. Sri Lanka is a member of both SAARC and BIMSTEC, and India has a significant role to play in the country's relations with these regional organizations. Interregional organisation connecting South Asia and South East Asia. What do these organizations do? Framework agreement on Free Trade Area was signed 16 years ago which signed in 2004 but, there is no commitment to early conclusion of FTA. Neighbourhood First Policy To give preference to the immediate neighboring countries of India. By Bipin Ghimire and Apoorva Pathak July 30, 2021 A virtual meeting hosted Chinese Foreign Minister. However, this awaits ratification. Animal Husbandry Veterinary Science Syllabus, Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme, Important National and International Days and Dates, NCERT Notes on Education System In India During British Ruler. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam. It is also essential to address the knowledge gaps among the member countries. launched a modest grouping with the acronym, BIST-EC. #B-10, 3rd Floor, Bada Bazar Rd, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110060, B22, 2nd floor,sector k near bati choka restuarant Aliganj, Lucknow Uttar pradesh Pincode -226024, 3rd Floor, Opposite Hotel Solar Residency, Aramwari, Pathanbagh, Rajbagh, Srinagar-190008, No 12, 1st floor, loukya complex building, saptapur last bus stop Beside sarvamangala hospital petrol bunk Dharwad 580001. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization comprising seven Member States lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. Members also conveyed their support for the Master Plan for Transport Connectivity. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization that was established on 06 June 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Press Information Bureau For instance, countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal demand the revival of SAARC. Why is Online UPSC Preparation Important for Remote Areas? This FTA should ideally cover services, trade in goods, and also investments. The SAARC summit, which was supposed to happen in every two years, has not been held since 2014, primarily because of Indias opposition to convening the summit in Pakistan. BIMSTEC Secretariat was opened in Dhaka, Bangladesh. BIMSTEC is an acronym for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Such a scenario could intensify geopolitical and economic competition between Indias traditional power and Chinas new, accelerating power in the region. Origin and Membership yet, they are involved in multiple bilateral and multilateral free trade, preferential trade and economic cooperation agreements with other countries. But its not the only one. Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Making BIMSTEC a Regional Vehicle for Nepal's Economic Growth Lets read all the known differences between these two summits: Can BIMSTEC replace SAARC UPSC? The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a multilateral regional organisation established with the aim of accelerating shared growth and cooperation between littoral and adjacent countries in the Bay of Bengal region. Some key agreements signed by BIMSTEC members include aconventionfor combating terrorism, transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking. Email: infobhopal@nextias.com. Leave your comment, let us know what you think. Three factors are at work: the border disputes, the rise of nationalist leaders in both countries, and the impact of geopolitics. Originally formed as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation) in 1997, it became BIMST-EC after Myanmar joined, and BIMSTEC in 2004 with the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan. It aims to accelerate economic growth and social progress among members acrossmultiplesectors trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism and fisheries, agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people to people contact and climate change. Bottom line, India's relationship with Sri Lanka is complex, with both cooperation and competition shaping the two countries' interactions within regional organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC. Nepal also needs to harness its hydropower potential of 45000 MW to support such connectivity and integration. However, this does not make them equal alternatives. Other than SAARC, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is another regional organization which since its inception in 1997 aspires to provide a platform for sectoral development cooperation for its member countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand). Both these events drew a large amount of international attention. The countries must realise that the security of the States in sub-region is contingent upon each other and therefore, Environment and Natural Disaster Management would need to be prioritised as their common security agenda. Members maintain reasonably friendly relations, Core objective is the improvement of economic cooperation among countries. The organization has established a Working Group on Energy, which has identified several areas of potential cooperation, including the development of renewable energy sources and the creation of a regional energy grid. If at all BIMSTEC Summit is held, then the Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar, may create lot of unease in the Summit. That is why it is suggested that the focus areas of the organization should be narrowed down so that cooperation is enhanced. In 2016, the organizations Leader Retreat was held which was followed by the Outreach Summit in collaboration with the BRICS Leaders in Goa held in October 2016. Why have Sino-Indian border tensions exploded? India has been involved in several projects in Sri Lanka aimed at improving connectivity and promoting economic cooperation between the two countries. The Observer Research Foundation, a prominent New Delhi-based think tank, even dubbed such increasing Chinese engagement as a sign of a Quad with Chinese characteristics., Possible Implications of China-South Asia Ties. Additionally, ethnic and religious conflicts in the region could also impact regional stability and cooperation. GS: First Step - NCERT Based Course for IAS after Class 10+2. Which is the Best online test series for UPSC prelims? In 2018, India aggressively pushed for the conclusion of a long-pending FTA among BIMSTEC nations butdifferencesbetween India and Thailand over market access for professionals, duty cuts on traded goods and policy relaxation stalled the process. Second, it is a demonstrative message from China to the Western powers that it still enjoys confidence from many South Asian countries and is capable of consolidating its position by creating new regional grouping with like-minded countries. For instance, tensions between India and Pakistan have hindered the progress of SAARC and affected regional trade and connectivity. Much has been achieved in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and security including counterterrorism, cyber security and coastal security cooperation. Any small scuffles, like the Nepal-India map row, can be resolved bilaterally,. Context: Intra-regional trade amid the pandemic, technology, innovation and finalizing of the BIMSTEC free trade agreement is likely to be on the agenda, nearly two years after the body's last meet in Kathmandu. BIMSTEC has been slow on the come-up because unlike bodies like the EU or ASEAN, it is based on. 20 March 2023: . Phone: 8081300200 by collaborating with the newly minted IPEF. For example, India-Nepal, India-Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh-Myanmar ties struggle because of some political, economic, and social reasons. BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Taking part in the event, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen put emphasis on expediting and consolidating cooperation among the members. The 2nd edition of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Disaster Management Exercise was conducted in Odisha, India from 11 February 2020 to 13th February 2020. The Master Plan for Transport Connectivity. India will provide the (BIMSTEC) secretariat USD 1 million US dollars to increase its operational budget. Also read: NCERT Notes on Pitts India Act 1784 here. The combined GDP in the region is around US$2 trillion and will likely grow further. BIMSTEC has also established a platform for intra-regional cooperation between SAARC and ASEAN members. This organization also helps India to enhance its Sagarmala Initiative and SAGAR Policy (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Asia, South Also read: NCERT Notes on August Offer Here. Important International Institutions, Agencies and Further Structure, Mandate etc., UNSC, Indias run for permanent membership in UNSC, Foundation Program: OGP(Offline and Online Guidance Program), Regional organization comprising seven Member States lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization comprising seven Member States around the Bay of Bengal region. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Asia, Central It became BIMST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation) with the entry of Myanmar in late 1997. However, Indias long and continuous objection to Chinese membership in the South Asian regional forum has prevented China from becoming a full member. What is BIMSTEC? Assessing what we know so far about Chinas fixed-wing carrier-based airborne early warning and control (AEWC) aircraft. Its headquarter is situated in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand brings together 1.5 billion people - 21% of the world population, and a combined GDP of over US$ 2.5 trillion. In this article on BIMSTEC, we shall discuss its genesis, objectives, principles, challenges & importance for India. Secretariat - Home-The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Context: Intra-regional trade amid the pandemic, technology, innovation and finalizing of the BIMSTEC free trade agreement islikelyto be on the agenda, nearly two years after the bodys last meet in Kathmandu. There are also several other challenges that could impact Indias stability and cooperation in regional organizations. Bridging the Bay of Bengal: Toward a Stronger BIMSTEC There are perceptible differences as Nepal and Sri Lanka want SAARC Summit revived, even as they cooperate within BIMSTEC, though on a low key. The other member states of the organization acknowledged and appreciated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis efforts of endorsing a Startup Conclave in January 2021, carrying out a Disaster Management Exercise in Puri, Odisha in February 2020, and also holding a conference on Combating Drug Trafficking in February 2020. Another organization: BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), established in 1997, includes seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The Bimstec member states are: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. BIMSTEC includes the countries of the Bay of Bengal region: five countries from South Asia and two from ASEAN. Regional organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC and Indias leading role in them is an important aspect of the country's foreign policy. Developing educational content for UPSC, IELTS aspirants from breakthrough research work is her forte. Only three summits were held in the first 20 years. Revitalising BIMSTEC through Cultural Connectivity from Northeast India This will require debates and discussions among the BIMSTEC countries to reach consensus. And finally, economic disparities between different countries in the region could also pose a challenge to regional cooperation. For greater regional connectivity, more financial resources are needed. Ideally, it should cover trade in goods, services and investment. Thus, it acts as a connecting organ between South Asia and South-East Asia. After a span of 17 years of the founding of BIMSTEC as a regional organization, it's long cherished Permanent Secretariat was established in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 13 th September 2014 to serve the BIMSTEC Member States. We hope that India will continue to play a constructive role in promoting regional integration and cooperation.. Home-The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and This will be very useful for aspirants in the UPSC Prelims Exam. Empowering BIMSTEC to be a platform for dispute resolution among member countries. It acts as a connecting link between South and South-East Asia. Book preview. Topic of the Day Bimstec Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) - A Brief Overview The BIMSTEC states are those which are on the shore or are adjacent to the Bay of Bengal and are dependent on it. The charter and other instruments are due to be signed in the fifth summit of heads of states and governments of the seven member states, scheduled for January next year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The grouping needs to reinvent itself, possibly renaming itself as the Bay of Bengal Community. The 5th Bimstec summit, preceded by the 17th Bimstec ministerial meeting, is proposed to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in the first half of January 2021, subject to the improved Covid-19 situation. In 2018, a report conducted by the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry pointed out that the member countries of the organization need to finalize a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) urgently in order to boost inter-regional trade and commerce. As can be seen, India's leadership in regional organizations has helped to drive progress on key issues such as transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and trade. How is India involved? Another is the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection, signed during the BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2018, whichaimsto promote an optimal power transmission in the BIMSTEC region. There is a need for setting up of regional institutional capacity for threat assessment and designing response strategies. It was also reiterated that collaboration on security issues between the member states is a prerequisite for achieving the objectives of the organization. It is a regional organisation that came into existence on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration in Bangladesh. Memorandum of Understanding on grid interconnection could be signed. Economic Cooperation & Development in the Northeastern States of India By creating a link between North-Eastern states and countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar via the Bay of Bengal region. The renewed focus and enthusiasm of the regional leaders to rejuvenate BIMSTEC, after two decades of its existence, is a welcome opportunity to boost effective cooperation. The BIMSTEC Secretariat coordinates, monitors and facilitates the implementation of BIMSTEC activities and programmes. What is the BIMSTEC? BIMSTEC provides SAARC countries a unique opportunity to connect with ASEAN. Introduction In the 21 st century, many analysts and scholars have devoted their time to studying the subject of regional and sub-regional integration. Next Bimstec summit to be held in January 2021. Contact Us: Call us at 080 69405205 (toll-free), Insta 75 Days Revision Tests for Prelims 2023, Insta 75 days Revision Tests for Prelims 2022, Chinas BRI- potential, challenges, measures with respect to India, Chinas Maritime strategy and its implications on India, Significance of relations, from perspective of Act East Policy, MAJOR CHALLENGES IN INDO-SRI LANKA RELATIONS, Challenges in relation b/w India and Bhutan, India-Bhutan Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project, Story of Border Dispute B/W China and Bhutan, Developmental partnership between India and Afghanistan, Terrorism and associated concerns for India, Challenges in the relations & Way Forward, CLOSER LOOK AT THE MYANMAR REFUGEE CRISIS, Rohingya crisis and its Implications for the Region, CHINAs ROLE IN REFUGEE CRISIS MANAGEMENT, India and South Asia Regional Co-operation, Resources in the region and its importance, VARIOUS TRENDS IN RESOLUTION OF THE CRISIS, Way-forward for India in MYANMAR REFUGEE CRISIS, Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias interests, International North South Transport Corridor, North Korea- South Korea issue and Indias role, Challenges/Roadblocks to India-Africa Relations. Such issues require long-term partnership, indicating that China intends to engage with South Asia for the long haul. Despite its various principles and objectives, BIMSTEC has faced challenges in its performance and efficiency for years. Can BIMSTEC harness shared, accelerated development as a sub-regional At a time when the SAARC and BIMSTEC processes are suffering an uncertain future, these regional organizations might see Chinas new platforms as direct competition to their regional integration agenda. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was a framework that was decided in 2004, but there is a visible lack in the adoption of the agreement by the BIMSTEC summit. H.E. According to experts, the year 2021 will see growth recovery in South and East Asia as the impact of the pandemic shrugs off and external demands rebound. Twenty Years of BIMSTEC Promoting Regional Cooperation and Integration in the Bay of Bengal Region Prabir De. The organisation is a bridge between South Asia and South East Asia. Military coup in Myanmar, brutal crackdown on the protestors is major challenges. Under which declaration was the BIMSTEC established? It includes five countries of South Asia - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and two countries of South-East Asia - Myanmar and Thailand. BIMSTEC has taken some of the significant initiatives over the years to turn it into a regional grouping in its truest sense. The move followed a decision by Vietnamese censors to bar the distribution of the film for allegedly depicting the Chinese maritime claim. Where and When was the 1st ever Disaster Management Exercise of the BIMSTEC conducted? From an acronym: This is a redirect from an acronym to a related topic, such as the expansion of the acronym. Email: info@nextias.com, Plot No. India carries the beacon in areas of counterterrorism, telecommunications, transport, and transnational crime. Regular disasters in the sub-region continue to cause trans-boundary impacts, damaging the lives, livelihoods and assets. Also, the importance of dealing with traditional and non-traditional security threats was discussed in order to promote extensive human security in the Bay of Bengal region. and operational meetings was mentioned earlier. Asia, Pacific Arguably, the most important regional organization, SAARC, is currently moribund and marginalized. Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a multilateral organization in the Asia region. There is a need to simultaneously maintain a secure environment while also promoting economic cooperation between the member states. BIST-EC to BIMSTEC Economic bloc to Multi-Sectoral Org Myanmar joined on 22 Dec 1997 Nepal and Bhutan joined in Feb 2004 Bridge between SA and SEA A platform for intra-regional . The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a, 7, with the adoption of the Bangkok Declaration, with, It became BIMST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation) with the.