Modi’s 21-Point Action Plan for BIMSTEC Regional Cooperation

April 5, 2025

At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, held in Bangkok, PM Modi unveiled a 21-point action plan aimed at enhancing cooperation among member nations. This plan aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First‘ and ‘Act East‘ policies. The action plan addresses multiple sectors, including business, IT, disaster management, security, and cultural exchange.

Business Initiatives

BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce will be created to improve business ties.
Annual BIMSTEC Business Summit to help businesses and governments coordinate.
Study on local currency trade to reduce reliance on global currencies like the US dollar.

Information Technology Advancements

Pilot study on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to share India’s experience with member countries.
Link India’s UPI with BIMSTEC payment systems to make cross-border payments easier and cheaper.

Disaster Management Strategies

BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre to be set up in India.
A fourth joint exercise among BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities to be held in India in 2025.

Security and Space Cooperation

The first Home Ministers’ meeting will take place in India to address cybercrime, terrorism, and trafficking. Plans include setting up ground stations for training and advancing space technology through nano-satellite initiatives.

Training and Capacity Building

The BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human resource infrastructure (BODHI) initiative will be launched
It will train 300 youths annually from BIMSTEC countries in India.
Scholarships will be available for students at the Forest Research Institute and Nalanda University.
Annual training for young diplomats to build diplomatic skills.
Cancer care training by Tata Memorial Centre for BIMSTEC health professionals.
Centres of Excellence in traditional medicine and farming research for knowledge sharing.

Energy Security and Youth Engagement

BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru now operational.
Faster electric grid connection to improve energy sharing.
BIMSTEC Young Leaders Summit, Hackathon, and Professional Visitors Program to be launched.
BIMSTEC Athletics Meet to be held in India this year.
BIMSTEC Games will be held in India in 2027 to promote regional unity.

Cultural Connectivity

Traditional Music Festival to be hosted in India to strengthen cultural bonds.
Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre to be set up in India to boost maritime policy coordination and security.

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