BIMSTEC NSA Meeting: Security Challenges and Regional Cooperation Evolution
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
India is hosting the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs and Advisers' Meeting in New Delhi. This meeting highlights the growing role of BIMSTEC in counter-terrorism, maritime security, and regional cooperation amid a complex global security environment.
Background
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) was established in 1997. It comprises seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Over three decades, it has evolved from economic cooperation to include security and strategic issues.
Key facts
India is hosting the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs and Advisers' Meeting in New Delhi.
The meeting focuses on counter-terrorism, maritime security, and regional cooperation.
BIMSTEC has evolved over the past three decades to address security challenges.
The grouping includes seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
BIMSTEC was established in 1997 as a regional cooperation initiative.
The meeting underscores BIMSTEC's growing role in security and strategic affairs.
The meeting is being held amid a complex global security environment.
Prelims pointers
- BIMSTEC: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
- Founded: 1997
- Members: 7 (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand)
- Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Fifth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs and Advisers' Meeting: New Delhi, 2025
Mains angles
- Discuss the evolution of BIMSTEC from economic cooperation to a security-oriented grouping.
- Critically examine the role of BIMSTEC in counter-terrorism and maritime security in the Bay of Bengal region.
- Analyze the significance of BIMSTEC in India's 'Act East' policy and regional connectivity.