TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: India hosted the first-ever BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Foreign Ministers’ retreat on July 11, marking a significant step in regional cooperation.
EXPLANATION:
- The meeting took place amid escalating tensions in Myanmar, where the military junta faces setbacks from Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs).
- External Affairs Minister emphasized the urgency of addressing regional challenges collaboratively.
Significance of the Meeting
- The retreat is noteworthy as it is the first such event since the BIMSTEC Charter came into effect on May 20.
- This charter represents a milestone in the organization’s development.
- The meeting’s timing is critical due to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, which affects various developmental and connectivity projects involving BIMSTEC members: Nepal, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of finding regional solutions to shared challenges.
- He underscored the need for capacity building and economic cooperation within BIMSTEC, which have gained new urgency due to current global and regional developments.
- The complementary nature of the BIMSTEC members should inspire higher aspirations for the organization.
Myanmar Crisis and Its Impact
- The instability in Myanmar poses significant challenges to BIMSTEC.
- The military junta’s loss of control over Naungcho, a key town on a trade highway to China, underscores the turmoil.
- This instability disrupts crucial connectivity projects aimed at strengthening ties among BIMSTEC countries.
- The situation necessitates discussions on border stability and humanitarian assistance, as highlighted in the Indian External Affairs Minister’s meeting with Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
India’s Response and Humanitarian Assistance
- India has so far taken a cautious approach to the Myanmar crisis, limiting assistance to displaced populations and Myanmar military personnel seeking refuge in Mizoram.
- The Ministry of External Affairs has not clarified whether India will extend humanitarian aid to affected civilians inside Myanmar.
- However, External Affairs Minister acknowledged the importance of connectivity projects for BIMSTEC’s future and the need for cooperation on border stability and humanitarian aid.
Countering Transnational Crimes
- The shared priority of countering transnational crimes, including cybercrime, narcotics, and illegal arms trafficking, has been emphasised.
- The External Affairs Minister reiterated India’s commitment to cooperating with Myanmar and Thailand, highlighting the necessity of a unified approach to these challenges.
- The retreat saw participation from Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
- The Nepalese Foreign Minister and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister did not attend.
- The Nepalese foreign minister skipped the meeting due to a crucial vote of confidence in Nepal’s government, while the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs represented Sri Lanka.
BIMSTEC
- The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a multilateral, regional organisation established to accelerate shared growth and cooperation between littoral and adjacent countries in the Bay Bengal region.
- It has seven member countries—five from South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and two from Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Thailand.
- It was founded as BIST-EC in June 1997, with the adoption of the Bangkok Declaration, and Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand were members.
- It became BIMST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation) with the entry of Myanmar in late 1997. Eventually, it was named in its current form when Nepal and Bhutan became members in 2004.
- The aim of setting up the regional grouping was not to create a new region for cooperation but to revive the connectivity and common interests of the Bay of Bengal region members.
- According to BIMSTEC’s official website, “the regional group constitutes a bridge between South and Southeast Asia and represents a reinforcement of relations among these countries.”
- BIMSTEC differs from other regional groupings, such as SAARC or ASEAN, because it is a sector-driven organisation.