Bangkok to Bengaluru: 6th BIMSTEC Summit, Thailand
Bangkok to Bengaluru: 6th BIMSTEC Summit, Thailand
6th BIMSTEC Summit: Bangkok to Bengaluru – A New Era of Regional Cooperation
Bangkok Hosts the 6th BIMSTEC Summit: A Vision for Regional Prosperity
From April 2–4, 2025, Thailand will host the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, bringing together leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The summit aims to foster a “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open” (PRO BIMSTEC) Bay of Bengal region by 2030.
Key initiatives include:
- Finalization of a free trade agreement
- Launch of a maritime transport pact between India, Myanmar, and Thailand
- Adoption of the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030
- Endorsement of the Eminent Persons’ Group Report
BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC): Bengaluru’s Strategic Role
A major highlight is the virtual inauguration of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC) in Bengaluru, India. Located within the Central Power Research Institute, the BEC will:
- Maintain a regional energy database
- Conduct feasibility studies for intra-BIMSTEC energy projects
- Promote grid interconnections, renewable energy, and efficiency
- Coordinate cross-border energy investments and training
The BEC is positioned as a more effective alternative to the underperforming SAARC Energy Centre in Islamabad.
BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025: Empowering the Next Generation
Held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the BIMSTEC Youth Summit focused on:
- Skill development and entrepreneurship
- Launch of a BIMSTEC-wide startup network
- Discussions on emerging tech, cybersecurity, and sustainability
India showcased its leadership with a startup ecosystem of 157,000+ ventures, nearly half led by women. The summit reinforced India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East, and SAGAR policies.