BIMSTEC Diplomats Program 2025 Boosting Regional Cooperation
The future of the Bay of Bengal region is being forged in New Delhi, where India is currently hosting the Annual BIMSTEC Young Diplomats Interaction Programme. This crucial week-long initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, marks a significant push towards strengthening institutional and capacity-building efforts among member states.
Key Objectives and Participants
The programme is being held at the prestigious Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS). The core aim is to equip the next generation of diplomats with a deep understanding of complex regional and global issues.
- Participants: Fourteen young diplomats from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are taking part.
- Focus Areas: The training exposes them to new approaches concerning geopolitical and geoeconomic landscapes, as well as priority areas of cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework.
- Policy Alignment: The initiative is a practical manifestation of India's twin foreign policy pillars: ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, aiming to bolster cooperation in the Bay of Bengal area.
Boosting Bay of Bengal Cooperation
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a vital link connecting South and Southeast Asia, representing a region of 1.7 billion people. By focusing on young diplomats, India is investing in the long-term diplomatic capacity and partnership necessary for regional stability and economic growth.
The interaction programme is designed to cultivate a shared perspective on regional challenges, fostering stronger bilateral and multilateral relations that will benefit all member nations. This step is key to transforming the Bay of Bengal from a geographical entity into a thriving economic and strategic zone.
The successful inauguration of the BIMSTEC Young Diplomats Interaction Programme reinforces India's commitment to regional cooperation. By nurturing young talent and facilitating a unified approach to diplomacy, this initiative lays the groundwork for a more cohesive and prosperous Bay of Bengal community.
