Hindu Editorial Analysis : 21-December-2023

India’s recent appointment of a senior diplomat as the fourth Secretary-General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) marks a crucial step in accelerating regional cooperation. The new Secretary-General faces the defining task of revitalizing BIMSTEC, a multilateral organization aimed at fostering collaboration among the littoral and adjacent countries in the Bay of Bengal region.

Understanding BIMSTEC

About BIMSTEC

BIMSTEC, established in June 1997 with the adoption of the Bangkok Declaration, initially comprised Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Over time, it expanded to include Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan. Covering 22% of the world’s population and boasting a combined GDP of US$3.697 trillion, the organization operates through summits and ministerial meetings to address trade, economic, and policy concerns.

Significance of BIMSTEC

  1. Historical Context: The region was historically integrated but lost its sense of community after gaining independence in the 1940s. BIMSTEC aims to revive shared interests and connectivity.
  2. Bridging Nations: BIMSTEC serves as a vital link between South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, reinforcing relations and promoting intra-regional collaboration.
  3. Sector-Driven Approach: Unlike other regional groupings, BIMSTEC adopts a sector-driven approach, allocating specific areas of cooperation to member countries. For instance, India plays a pivotal role in security, counter-terrorism, disaster management, and energy.
  4. Alternative to SAARC: As the progress of SAARC has stagnated due to geopolitical issues, BIMSTEC emerges as a viable alternative for regional cooperation.
India’s Role in BIMSTEC

Importance for India

BIMSTEC aligns with India’s ‘Act East’ policy, fostering regional cooperation in Southeast Asia. It also supports India’s broader goal of gaining prominence in trade and security in the Indian Ocean region and aligning with the Indo-Pacific focus of Quad countries.

India’s Efforts

India has taken proactive steps to enhance BIMSTEC’s progress, establishing the BIMSTEC Energy Centre and Business Council in Bengaluru. These initiatives aim to promote regional trade, create free-trade agreements, and develop a master plan for transport connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region.

Challenges Ahead
  1. Sluggish Pace: BIMSTEC faces criticism for its slow progress, attributed to inefficient operations and inconsistent policymaking.
  2. Inadequate Assistance: The secretariat lacks sufficient financial and manpower support for its operational activities.
  3. Trade Challenges: India’s trade with BIMSTEC countries has declined, and member countries exhibit variations in inter-regional trade, often importing goods from non-member nations.
  4. Coastal Ecosystem Absence: BIMSTEC nations struggle to establish a shared coastal shipment ecosystem, compounded by frequent detentions of fishermen crossing territorial borders.
  5. Member Challenges: Recent geopolitical issues, such as the Rohingya crisis and border disputes, pose challenges to BIMSTEC’s progress.
Why In News

India recently seconded a senior diplomat to drive BIMSTEC as its fourth Secretary-General (SG), and with a proven track record in fostering regional collaboration, the new Secretary-General is poised to play a pivotal role in accelerating regional cooperation within BIMSTEC.

MCQs about Revitalizing BIMSTEC: India’s Strategic Move

  1. What is the primary aim of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)?
    A. Military cooperation among member countries
    B. Accelerating shared growth and cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region
    C. Establishing a new region for international cooperation
    D. Resolving historical conflicts in the Bay of Bengal
    Correct Answer: B. Accelerating shared growth and cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region
    Explanation: BIMSTEC aims to accelerate shared growth and cooperation among littoral and adjacent countries in the Bay of Bengal region.
  2. What sets BIMSTEC apart from other regional groupings like SAARC or ASEAN?
    A. BIMSTEC focuses solely on military cooperation
    B. BIMSTEC is a sector-driven organization with specific areas of cooperation
    C. SAARC and ASEAN are alternatives to BIMSTEC
    D. BIMSTEC has a narrow geographical focus
    Correct Answer: B. BIMSTEC is a sector-driven organization with specific areas of cooperation
    Explanation: BIMSTEC is unique in being a sector-driven organization, with specific areas of cooperation allocated among member countries.
  3. Why is BIMSTEC considered an alternative to SAARC?
    A. SAARC lacks a sector-driven approach
    B. BIMSTEC emerged due to geopolitical tensions in SAARC
    C. SAARC and BIMSTEC have identical goals
    D. SAARC has achieved its objectives, rendering BIMSTEC unnecessary
    Correct Answer: B. BIMSTEC emerged as an alternative platform for cooperation due to stalled progress in SAARC, particularly due to Indo-Pak relations.

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