New Delhi: Bangladesh has called for deeper regional collaboration on security issues, highlighting the Rohingya refugee crisis, maritime threats, and cyber risks, at the Fifth Meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs in New Delhi. In a detailed country statement, Dr Shamsul Islam, Defence Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and head of the delegation, stressed that security and development in the Bay of Bengal region are "inseparable". A major focus of Bangladesh's intervention was the prolonged Rohingya crisis. The country currently hosts over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, incurring high economic and security costs.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bimstec-nsa-meet-and-a-stable-bay-of-bengal-how-maritime-security-is-crucial-for-trade-flows-1784201850998">Why BIMSTEC NSA meet matters: Secure Bay of Bengal is crucial for trade flows</a> "This prolonged crisis is an exceptional humanitarian issue," Dr Islam stated. "Also, with complex border, maritime, and transnational security challenges that stand to affect the security and stability of our entire region. Safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation remains the only durable solution." He urged all BIMSTEC member states to collectively create conditions for the Rohingyas' return. The adviser outlined Bangladesh's domestic priorities under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, including restoring public confidence, safeguarding communal harmony, and countering disinformation, hate speech, and AI-enabled manipulation. On maritime security, Dr Islam emphasised the Bay of Bengal's importance for the livelihoods of millions. "They face threats from maritime crime, trafficking, illegal fishing, pollution, and natural disasters," he said, calling for enhanced cooperation among navies, coast guards, and disaster-response institutions, including the use of technological tools.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bimstec-nsa-meeting-amid-security-challenges-in-a-complex-world-the-evolution-of-cooperation-1784101472635">BIMSTEC NSA meeting: Security cooperation in a world of conflict</a> The meeting, chaired by India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, brought together security chiefs from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to address evolving non-traditional security challenges in the region. Bangladesh's Dr Islam stressed that BIMSTEC, now three decades old, must prioritise security and stability ahead of economic undertakings. He advocated drawing on lessons from SAARC and building cooperation on "mutual trust and shared benefits". "Connectivity may be the engine of BIMSTEC, but security is the foundation," he declared. "Our success will be measured not by declaration, but by the cooperation we deliver." Bangladesh, as the current BIMSTEC Chair, expressed readiness to work with all member states towards a "safer, resilient, and prosperous Bay of Bengal region".

At the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs' meeting in New Delhi, Bangladesh urged member states to deepen cooperation on the Rohingya crisis, maritime security and cyber threats, saying a secure Bay of Bengal is essential for regional stability and development.

New Delhi: Bangladesh has called for deeper regional collaboration on security issues, highlighting the Rohingya refugee crisis, maritime threats, and cyber risks, at the Fifth Meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs in New Delhi. In a detailed country statement, Dr Shamsul Islam, Defence Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and head of the delegation, stressed that security and development in the Bay of Bengal region are "inseparable". A major focus of Bangladesh's intervention was the prolonged Rohingya crisis. The country currently hosts over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, incurring high economic and security costs. Also read | Why BIMSTEC NSA meet matters: Secure Bay of Bengal is crucial for trade flows "This prolonged crisis is an exceptional humanitarian issue," Dr Islam stated. "Also, with complex border, maritime, and transnational security challenges that stand to affect the security and stability of our entire region. Safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation remains the only durable solution." He urged all BIMSTEC member states to collectively create conditions for the Rohingyas' return. The adviser outlined Bangladesh's domestic priorities under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, including restoring public confidence, safeguarding communal harmony, and countering disinformation, hate speech, and AI-enabled manipulation. On maritime security, Dr Islam emphasised the Bay of Bengal's importance for the livelihoods of millions. "They face threats from maritime crime, trafficking, illegal fishing, pollution, and natural disasters," he said, calling for enhanced cooperation among navies, coast guards, and disaster-response institutions, including the use of technological tools. Also read | BIMSTEC NSA meeting: Security cooperation in a world of conflict The meeting, chaired by India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, brought together security chiefs from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to address evolving non-traditional security challenges in the region. Bangladesh's Dr Islam stressed that BIMSTEC, now three decades old, must prioritise security and stability ahead of economic undertakings. He advocated drawing on lessons from SAARC and building cooperation on "mutual trust and shared benefits". "Connectivity may be the engine of BIMSTEC, but security is the foundation," he declared. "Our success will be measured not by declaration, but by the cooperation we deliver." Bangladesh, as the current BIMSTEC Chair, expressed readiness to work with all member states towards a "safer, resilient, and prosperous Bay of Bengal region".

At the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs' meeting in New Delhi, Bangladesh urged member states to deepen cooperation on the Rohingya crisis, maritime security and cyber threats, saying a secure Bay of Bengal is essential for regional stability and development.

Bangladesh urges stronger BIMSTEC security cooperation amid Rohingya crisis, regional threats at Delhi NSAs meet

The Bay of Bengal is a crucial component of regional and global trade flows due to its geography, economic centrality, and vulnerability to disruptions. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's speech on Thursday (July 26) at the fifth BIMSTEC NSA meeting touched upon maritime security in the Bay of Bengal, along with other key pillars such as counter-terrorism, transnational crime, and cyber threats. He framed it within BIMSTEC's goals of regional security, connectivity, capacity building, and economic security. Here is why a stable and secure Bay of Bengal is in the interest of littoral states like India.<h2>Bay of Bengal: Strategic location and trade volume</h2>The Bay of Bengal is a vital sea line of communication (SLOC) linking the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean via the Strait of Malacca. It handles nearly one-fourth of the world's traded goods that pass through or near the region, including critical energy shipments such as oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Middle East to East Asia. This strategic importance also underpins cooperation among the Bay's littoral states through BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.&nbsp;Littoral states such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand depend heavily on the Bay of Bengal for maritime trade, fishing, offshore energy resources, and connectivity. Any disruption would directly impact supply chains, energy security, and economic growth across the member states, which together account for a combined GDP of around $5 trillion and a population of nearly 1.7 billion.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5th-bimstec-nsa-meet-nsa-ajit-doval-calls-for-decisive-action-amid-global-conflict-and-economic-turmoil-1784193698075">5th BIMSTEC NSA Meet: NSA Ajit Doval calls for decisive action amid global conflict and economic turmoil</a><h2>Threats to trade flows in the Bay of Bengal: Maritime security risks</h2>The threats faced by the littoral nations include piracy and armed robbery, with the Bay of Bengal reporting several incidents in the Indo-Pacific. Trafficking of drugs, arms, and humans is another major concern. The maritime region also reports widespread illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens marine resources and coastal livelihoods.Maritime terrorism and other non-traditional threats, such as natural disasters, environmental degradation, climate-related risks, and the potential for blockages or hybrid disruptions to shipping, are also issues of concern.<h2>BIMSTEC's moves towards safe, secure waters in the Bay of Bengal</h2>A key area of focus for BIMSTEC is to ensure freedom of navigation and the safe passage of the tens of thousands of commercial vessels that pass through the Bay of Bengal every year. The grouping also seeks to enhance the resilience and stability of regional ports, maritime infrastructure, and supply chains.BIMSTEC's efforts towards this end include the Expert Group on Maritime Security Cooperation, strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through information sharing, capacity building, joint exercises and patrols, and coordinated responses to maritime threats.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bimstec-security-chiefs-meet-in-new-delhi-ajit-doval-leads-talks-on-terrorism-maritime-security-1784193102354/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bimstec-security-chiefs-meet-in-new-delhi-ajit-doval-leads-talks-on-terrorism-maritime-security-1784193102354/embed</a><h2>China's growing presence in the Bay of Bengal maritime region</h2>Chinese interests in the Bay of Bengal region and the wider Indo-Pacific amplify the importance of maritime security in the Bay. The waters are a key transit route for Chinese energy imports and trade, and secure SLOCs are vital for Beijing's economic security.Over the last decade, China has expanded its influence through infrastructure projects such as ports in Myanmar and Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It also continues to increase its naval activities in the region. A significant proportion of IUU fishing in the wider Indo-Pacific has been attributed to Chinese distant-water fishing fleets, straining local resources and bilateral ties.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bimstec-nsa-meeting-amid-security-challenges-in-a-complex-world-the-evolution-of-cooperation-1784101472635">BIMSTEC NSA meeting amid security challenges in a complex world: The evolution of cooperation</a>&nbsp;Beijing is also building up military infrastructure, while the presence of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) in the Indian Ocean Region is growing, raising concerns about strategic competition, potential dual-use facilities, and the implications for freedom of navigation.The Bay of Bengal states have differing security perceptions regarding the region. India is pushing for cooperative frameworks that counterbalance external influence while maintaining open sea lanes through initiatives such as BIMSTEC, the Act East Policy, and MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.It is in this context that Doval's emphasis on strengthened maritime cooperation in the region should be understood.&nbsp;India is stressing the need to safeguard vital trade arteries in a contested maritime space where geopolitical rivalries, particularly involving China, intersect with non-state actor threats and growing economic interdependence.&nbsp;Stable waters in the Bay of Bengal are essential not only for regional prosperity but also for the broader stability of Indo-Pacific trade.

At the BIMSTEC NSA meeting in Delhi, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval highlighted maritime security among other things. Here is why a stable and secure Bay of Bengal is essential for trade, energy flows, regional connectivity, and countering growing security challenges

The Bay of Bengal is a crucial component of regional and global trade flows due to its geography, economic centrality, and vulnerability to disruptions. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's speech on Thursday (July 26) at the fifth BIMSTEC NSA meeting touched upon maritime security in the Bay of Bengal, along with other key pillars such as counter-terrorism, transnational crime, and cyber threats. He framed it within BIMSTEC's goals of regional security, connectivity, capacity building, and economic security. Here is why a stable and secure Bay of Bengal is in the interest of littoral states like India. Bay of Bengal: Strategic location and trade volume The Bay of Bengal is a vital sea line of communication (SLOC) linking the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean via the Strait of Malacca. It handles nearly one-fourth of the world's traded goods that pass through or near the region, including critical energy shipments such as oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Middle East to East Asia. This strategic importance also underpins cooperation among the Bay's littoral states through BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Littoral states such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand depend heavily on the Bay of Bengal for maritime trade, fishing, offshore energy resources, and connectivity. Any disruption would directly impact supply chains, energy security, and economic growth across the member states, which together account for a combined GDP of around $5 trillion and a population of nearly 1.7 billion. Also read: 5th BIMSTEC NSA Meet: NSA Ajit Doval calls for decisive action amid global conflict and economic turmoil Threats to trade flows in the Bay of Bengal: Maritime security risks The threats faced by the littoral nations include piracy and armed robbery, with the Bay of Bengal reporting several incidents in the Indo-Pacific. Trafficking of drugs, arms, and humans is another major concern. The maritime region also reports widespread illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which threatens marine resources and coastal livelihoods. Maritime terrorism and other non-traditional threats, such as natural disasters, environmental degradation, climate-related risks, and the potential for blockages or hybrid disruptions to shipping, are also issues of concern. BIMSTEC's moves towards safe, secure waters in the Bay of Bengal A key area of focus for BIMSTEC is to ensure freedom of navigation and the safe passage of the tens of thousands of commercial vessels that pass through the Bay of Bengal every year. The grouping also seeks to enhance the resilience and stability of regional ports, maritime infrastructure, and supply chains. BIMSTEC's efforts towards this end include the Expert Group on Maritime Security Cooperation, strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through information sharing, capacity building, joint exercises and patrols, and coordinated responses to maritime threats. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bimstec-security-chiefs-meet-in-new-delhi-ajit-doval-leads-talks-on-terrorism-maritime-security-1784193102354/embed China's growing presence in the Bay of Bengal maritime region Chinese interests in the Bay of Bengal region and the wider Indo-Pacific amplify the importance of maritime security in the Bay. The waters are a key transit route for Chinese energy imports and trade, and secure SLOCs are vital for Beijing's economic security. Over the last decade, China has expanded its influence through infrastructure projects such as ports in Myanmar and Bangladesh under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It also continues to increase its naval activities in the region. A significant proportion of IUU fishing in the wider Indo-Pacific has been attributed to Chinese distant-water fishing fleets, straining local resources and bilateral ties. Also read: BIMSTEC NSA meeting amid security challenges in a complex world: The evolution of cooperation Beijing is also building up military infrastructure, while the presence of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) in the Indian Ocean Region is growing, raising concerns about strategic competition, potential dual-use facilities, and the implications for freedom of navigation. The Bay of Bengal states have differing security perceptions regarding the region. India is pushing for cooperative frameworks that counterbalance external influence while maintaining open sea lanes through initiatives such as BIMSTEC, the Act East Policy, and MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. It is in this context that Doval's emphasis on strengthened maritime cooperation in the region should be understood. India is stressing the need to safeguard vital trade arteries in a contested maritime space where geopolitical rivalries, particularly involving China, intersect with non-state actor threats and growing economic interdependence. Stable waters in the Bay of Bengal are essential not only for regional prosperity but also for the broader stability of Indo-Pacific trade.

At the BIMSTEC NSA meeting in Delhi, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval highlighted maritime security among other things. Here is why a stable and secure Bay of Bengal is essential for trade, energy flows, regional connectivity, and countering growing security challenges

BIMSTEC NSA meet and a stable Bay of Bengal: How maritime security is crucial for trade flows

At the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' Meeting hosted in New Delhi, Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval underscored the urgent need for closer regional cooperation. He emphasised that the current global landscape—marked by conflicts, geopolitical uncertainties, multi-domain security threats, technological disruptions, and economic hardships from supply chain disruptions—requires member states to collaborate and take decisive actions for mutual benefit.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bimstec-security-chiefs-meet-in-new-delhi-ajit-doval-leads-talks-on-terrorism-maritime-security-1784193102354/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bimstec-security-chiefs-meet-in-new-delhi-ajit-doval-leads-talks-on-terrorism-maritime-security-1784193102354/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Doval highlighted the Bay of Bengal grouping's immense significance, noting that BIMSTEC unites two dynamic regions, representing 1.7 billion people (roughly 22% of the global population) with a combined GDP of nearly USD 5 trillion. He stated that these nations are connected not just geographically by the Bay of Bengal, but also through deep civilizational and cultural legacies spanning a millennium of shared history.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Speaking at the 5th Meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval says, &quot;We are meeting today in the backdrop of a challenging global landscape; we are witnessing conflicts and geopolitical uncertainties. We are also facing… <a href="https://t.co/HmKWdPujox">pic.twitter.com/HmKWdPujox</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2077638814391312442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the NSA, BIMSTEC has built robust cooperation and made significant progress in countering common threats, including terrorism, transnational organized crime, cyber threats, and maritime challenges. He noted that the grouping is poised to combat new and emerging threats together. Doval stressed that BIMSTEC's long-standing pillars—regional security, connectivity, capacity building, and economic security—must continue driving their collective efforts.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nsa-ajit-doval-meets-top-myanmar-thailand-sri-lanka-and-bangladesh-officials-ahead-of-bimstec-nsas-conference-1784127386682">NSA Ajit Doval meets top Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh officials ahead of BIMSTEC NSAs conference</a>&nbsp;Furthermore, Doval described BIMSTEC as central to India's regional vision, embodying its "Neighbourhood First" approach, commitment to the "Act East Policy," and the "MAHASAGAR" vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). As BIMSTEC prepares to mark its 30th anniversary next year, he called on member countries to expand their collaborative potential, infuse new energy and resources, and strengthen institutional capacities. He expressed confidence that their shared vision, common aspirations, and mutual trust will continue to deliver tangible outcomes for regional security and resilience.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nsa-doval-to-fm-wang-yi-stable-ties-key-to-india-china-understanding-1782152508463">NSA Doval to FM Wang Yi: Stable ties key to India-China understanding</a>&nbsp;Established on June 6, 1997, via the Bangkok Declaration, the regional organisation was initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand). It evolved into BIMSTEC and grew to its current seven-member states following the admission of Myanmar in December 1997, and Bhutan and Nepal in February 2004.

At the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' Meeting in New Delhi, Indian NSA Ajit Doval urged member states to unite against multi-domain threats and economic supply chain disruptions.

At the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' Meeting hosted in New Delhi, Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval underscored the urgent need for closer regional cooperation. He emphasised that the current global landscape—marked by conflicts, geopolitical uncertainties, multi-domain security threats, technological disruptions, and economic hardships from supply chain disruptions—requires member states to collaborate and take decisive actions for mutual benefit. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bimstec-security-chiefs-meet-in-new-delhi-ajit-doval-leads-talks-on-terrorism-maritime-security-1784193102354/embed Doval highlighted the Bay of Bengal grouping's immense significance, noting that BIMSTEC unites two dynamic regions, representing 1.7 billion people (roughly 22% of the global population) with a combined GDP of nearly USD 5 trillion. He stated that these nations are connected not just geographically by the Bay of Bengal, but also through deep civilizational and cultural legacies spanning a millennium of shared history.

At the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' Meeting in New Delhi, Indian NSA Ajit Doval urged member states to unite against multi-domain threats and economic supply chain disruptions.

5th BIMSTEC NSA Meet: NSA Ajit Doval calls for decisive action amid global conflict and economic turmoil

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Bangladesh urges stronger BIMSTEC security cooperation amid Rohingya crisis, regional threats at Delhi NSAs meet

Why BIMSTEC NSA meet matters: Secure Bay of Bengal is crucial for trade flows

NSA Doval calls for decisive action amid global conflict and economic turmoil