BIMSTEC Explained
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a regional organisation linking countries around the Bay of Bengal, bridging South and Southeast Asia.
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a regional organisation linking countries around the Bay of Bengal, bridging South and Southeast Asia.
Members
It has seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Its secretariat is in Dhaka.
Why it matters for India
BIMSTEC has gained importance as a platform for regional cooperation, aligning with India's Act East and Neighbourhood First policies, especially given SAARC's stalemate.
Why it matters for UPSC
BIMSTEC's members, Bay of Bengal focus and its rise relative to SAARC are current IR topics.
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How many members does BIMSTEC have?
Seven.
Which two regions does BIMSTEC connect?
South Asia and Southeast Asia, around the Bay of Bengal.