Context: A critical analysis on the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as an opportunity for paradigm shift in raising the level of cooperation and regional integration.
About BIMSTEC
Established through Bangkok Declaration of 1997, by India, Thailand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan joined afterwards.
Slow progress during its first 20 years, only three summits held.
Unfolding rejuvenation: Back to focus since 2016 after India started to treat it as a more practical instrument for regional cooperation over SAARC.
Outreach Summit with BRICS leaders in 2016.
The fourth leaders’ summit: Held in Kathmandu in 2018 devised an ambitious plan for institutional reform and renewal that would encompass economic and security cooperation.
Recent development in BIMSTEC: 17th Meeting of the foreign ministers of BIMSTEC met on April 1 2021.
Endorsed rationalisation of sectors and sub-sectors of activity: With each member-state serving as a lead for assigned areas of special interest.
Support for Master Plan for Transport Connectivity: to be adopted in next summit.
Preparations completed for signing 3 agreements: Relating to mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, cooperation between diplomatic academies, and establishment of a technology transfer facility in Colombo.
Challenges faced by BIMSTEC:
Lack of progress on the trade and economic dossier: A study by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry suggested that BIMSTEC urgently needed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement to be a real game-changer.
This is due to lacking the effort to enthuse and engage vibrant business communities of these countries and expand their dialogue, interactions and transactions.
‘Over-securitisation’ of BIMSTEC: Achievements in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and security, including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and coastal security cooperation etc., overshadowing other areas of engagement.
Spillover of bilateral setbacks: For e.g. Impact of the trajectory of India-Nepal, India-Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh-Myanmar ties in recent years.
Uncertainties over SAARC: Both Nepal and Sri Lanka want SAARC to be revived, even as they work in BIMSTEC with diluted zeal.
China’s decisive intrusion in South-Southeast Asian space: Perspective that BIMSTEC would make progress if China is accepted as its principal interlocutor and partner.
New set of challenges from a military coup in Myanmar: Brutal crackdown of protesters and continuation of popular resistance resulting in a protracted impasse.