India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has called BIMSTEC a "promising sub-regional grouping", as&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indian side raised&nbsp;issues of connectivity, security and disaster management&nbsp;at a virtual meeting of its foreign ministers.

BIMSTEC, or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is more than 20 years old, and has seven members--India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

At the meet hosted by BIMSTEC Chair Sri Lanka, Jaishankar said, "Robust connectivity is an essential pre-requisite for economic integration of the region with smooth cross-border movement of people and goods. The grouping is working on finalising the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and the Motor Vehicles Agreement to smoothen the connectivity."

The group has finalised BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, which will be adopted at the fifth BIMSTEC Summit that is expected to happen later this year in Sri Lanka.

EAM termed the finalisation of the master plan as an "important step towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of our region for better connectivity and integration."

On security issue, Jaishankar said, "Development and prosperity go hand in hand with peace and security. We face both traditional and non-traditional security challenges".

National security advisers of BIMSTEC&nbsp; countries have met thrice&nbsp;since 2017 and plans are afoot to increase cooperation.&nbsp; Similarly&nbsp;on disaster management, Jaishankar pointed out that the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate, being hosted in India, is "fully functional with the state-of-the-art facilities to provide disaster early warnings."

India plans to invite all BIMSTEC countries for International Buddhist Conclave it will be hosting later this year. New Delhi has been keen on the grouping, since SAARC has been dysfunctional because of Pakistan's approach.

In 2019, during the oathtaking ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the second term, all the heads of governments/states of BIMSTEC grouping were present.

Thursday's BIMSTEC foreign ministers'&nbsp;meeting also saw the presence of Myanmar Army-appointed Foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has called BIMSTEC a "promising sub-regional grouping", as the Indian side raised issues of connectivity, security and disaster management at a virtual meeting of its foreign ministers.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has called BIMSTEC a "promising sub-regional grouping", as the Indian side raised issues of connectivity, security and disaster management at a virtual meeting of its foreign ministers. BIMSTEC, or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is more than 20 years old, and has seven members--India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka. At the meet hosted by BIMSTEC Chair Sri Lanka, Jaishankar said, "Robust connectivity is an essential pre-requisite for economic integration of the region with smooth cross-border movement of people and goods. The grouping is working on finalising the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and the Motor Vehicles Agreement to smoothen the connectivity." The group has finalised BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, which will be adopted at the fifth BIMSTEC Summit that is expected to happen later this year in Sri Lanka. EAM termed the finalisation of the master plan as an "important step towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of our region for better connectivity and integration." On security issue, Jaishankar said, "Development and prosperity go hand in hand with peace and security. We face both traditional and non-traditional security challenges". National security advisers of BIMSTEC countries have met thrice since 2017 and plans are afoot to increase cooperation. Similarly on disaster management, Jaishankar pointed out that the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate, being hosted in India, is "fully functional with the state-of-the-art facilities to provide disaster early warnings." India plans to invite all BIMSTEC countries for International Buddhist Conclave it will be hosting later this year. New Delhi has been keen on the grouping, since SAARC has been dysfunctional because of Pakistan's approach. In 2019, during the oathtaking ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the second term, all the heads of governments/states of BIMSTEC grouping were present. Thursday's BIMSTEC foreign ministers' meeting also saw the presence of Myanmar Army-appointed Foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin.

BIMSTEC a promising sub regional grouping, says Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar

Sri Lanka has invited the new foreign minister of Myanmar's junta to a regional meeting next month, sparking accusations on social media that Colombo is tacitly endorsing the military coup.

There has been no formal international recognition of the regime which toppled Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 although Wunna Maung Lwin, the junta's newly appointed foreign minister, has met virtually and physically with some regional counterparts.

Myanmar's junta and the envoy sent by its toppled civilian government have also launched contradictory claims over who represents the country at the United Nations.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Sri Lanka's invitation, seen by AFP, is for an April 1 virtual meeting of the foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

"The 17th ministerial meeting will greatly benefit from your Excellency's valued participation, and I look forward to our close engagement over the course of the meeting," Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says in the letter.

Several Myanmar activists bombarded the Sri Lankan foreign ministry's social media platforms to slam the decision.

"Shame on you!!!," said Twitter user SweZtun."You invited a member of the Burmese Military Terrorist group to your BIMSTEC meeting...You are shamelessly legitimising Terrorist group..."

"Sri Lanka supporting to terrorist group is the worst shameless behaviour after China," said another Twitter user identifying as Hein Min Htay.&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from Sri Lanka's foreign ministry. The two countries have close religious ties, both following the same branch of Buddhism.

Dozens of Sri Lankan activists meanwhile staged a demonstration outside the Myanmar embassy in Colombo Wednesday denouncing the military coup, in a protest planned before the announcement of the invitation.

"No to the terrorist junta!," said a banner carried by them. "Prosecute the junta for crimes against humanity and genocide."

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted the civilian government last month triggering daily protests demanding a return to democracy.

Close to 2,000 people have been arrested and the death toll has climbed to more than 60, as Myanmar security forces attempt to quash the resistance.

Sri Lanka has invited the new foreign minister of Myanmar's junta to a regional meeting next month, sparking accusations on social media that Colombo is tacitly endorsing the military coup.

Sri Lanka has invited the new foreign minister of Myanmar's junta to a regional meeting next month, sparking accusations on social media that Colombo is tacitly endorsing the military coup. There has been no formal international recognition of the regime which toppled Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 although Wunna Maung Lwin, the junta's newly appointed foreign minister, has met virtually and physically with some regional counterparts. Myanmar's junta and the envoy sent by its toppled civilian government have also launched contradictory claims over who represents the country at the United Nations. Watch | Sri Lanka's invitation, seen by AFP, is for an April 1 virtual meeting of the foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). "The 17th ministerial meeting will greatly benefit from your Excellency's valued participation, and I look forward to our close engagement over the course of the meeting," Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says in the letter. Several Myanmar activists bombarded the Sri Lankan foreign ministry's social media platforms to slam the decision. "Shame on you!!!," said Twitter user SweZtun."You invited a member of the Burmese Military Terrorist group to your BIMSTEC meeting...You are shamelessly legitimising Terrorist group..." "Sri Lanka supporting to terrorist group is the worst shameless behaviour after China," said another Twitter user identifying as Hein Min Htay. There was no immediate comment from Sri Lanka's foreign ministry. The two countries have close religious ties, both following the same branch of Buddhism. Dozens of Sri Lankan activists meanwhile staged a demonstration outside the Myanmar embassy in Colombo Wednesday denouncing the military coup, in a protest planned before the announcement of the invitation. "No to the terrorist junta!," said a banner carried by them. "Prosecute the junta for crimes against humanity and genocide." Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted the civilian government last month triggering daily protests demanding a return to democracy. Close to 2,000 people have been arrested and the death toll has climbed to more than 60, as Myanmar security forces attempt to quash the resistance.

Sri Lanka invites foreign minister of Myanmar junta

Sri Lanka has invited India for the group's foreign ministers virtual meet on April 01. The South Asian country is this year's host of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).&nbsp;

BIMSTEC is a regional grouping has 7 members — namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand —&nbsp;all of whom share coastal borders with the Bay of Bengal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-nepal-and-across-the-world-child-marriage-is-rising-368799">In Nepal and across the world, child marriage is rising</a>

SAARC and BIMSTEC are two regional groupings in South Asia. BIMSTEC is seen connecting South Asia with ASEAN, with two of its members from that grouping. With SAARC being redundant due to Islamabad being adamant on several issues, BIMSTEC is seen as a natural choice for India. In fact, in 2019, during Narendra Modi's second swearing-in as the prime minister of India, all the leaders of BIMSTEC had participated.

Colombo has also sent invites for finance&nbsp;ministers meet to Myanmar's U Wunna Maung lwin, who has been appointed as the foreign minister of the country by the military after the coup. This has sparked a row over legitimacy being given to the military's actions.

Sri Lanka is expected to host the group's leadership summit later this year. The fourth BIMSTEC summit took place in Nepal's Kathmandu in 2018. BIMSTEC is working on a masterplan for Transport Connectivity which envisages 264 projects of different sizes among all its members.

Sri Lanka has invited India for the group's foreign ministers virtual meet on April 01. The South Asian country is this year's host of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

Sri Lanka has invited India for the group's foreign ministers virtual meet on April 01. The South Asian country is this year's host of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). BIMSTEC is a regional grouping has 7 members — namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand — all of whom share coastal borders with the Bay of Bengal. Also read | In Nepal and across the world, child marriage is rising SAARC and BIMSTEC are two regional groupings in South Asia. BIMSTEC is seen connecting South Asia with ASEAN, with two of its members from that grouping. With SAARC being redundant due to Islamabad being adamant on several issues, BIMSTEC is seen as a natural choice for India. In fact, in 2019, during Narendra Modi's second swearing-in as the prime minister of India, all the leaders of BIMSTEC had participated. Colombo has also sent invites for finance ministers meet to Myanmar's U Wunna Maung lwin, who has been appointed as the foreign minister of the country by the military after the coup. This has sparked a row over legitimacy being given to the military's actions. Sri Lanka is expected to host the group's leadership summit later this year. The fourth BIMSTEC summit took place in Nepal's Kathmandu in 2018. BIMSTEC is working on a masterplan for Transport Connectivity which envisages 264 projects of different sizes among all its members.

Sri Lanka invites India for BIMSTEC FMs meet on April 1

India is all set to beef up its "eye in the Indian Ocean" with the up-gradation of the Information Management and Analysis Centre or IMAC. The center, soon to become National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) will see all major agencies --civilians as well as defense being on board.

India is all set to beef up its "eye in the Indian Ocean" with the up-gradation of the Information Management and Analysis Centre or IMAC. The center, soon to become National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) will see all major agencies --civilians as well as defense being on board. IMAC, based out of Delhi's suburb Gurugram, gets real-time data on movement in the Indian ocean region being fed information from several places--from coastal radar to white shipping agreement India has several countries to coastal surveillance systems and several other ways. It is interesting to know, IMAC was set up in the aftermath of 26/11 as deterrence of any future act of terror through the maritime route. It has been around 6 years since it has been functioning. Under the NMDA, the fisheries department to local policing authorities will get information on development or movements across the coast. This will make sure that any risk, especially transnational can be prevented. The idea was to upgrade it was proposed by the Indian Navy, with the CCS of Cabinet Committee on Security expected to take a call soon. Meanwhile, IMAC which also gives information to IFC-IOR or Information fusion Centre--Indian Ocean Region will see new foreign liaison officers taking up the post, taking the number to around 10-12 . The arrival was delayed due to the COVID pandemic. At present, France, Japan, and the USA have full-time liaison officers at the IFC-IOR, that shares a campus with IMAC. The body was inaugurated in 2018, with a focus on India and like-minded countries sharing real-time developments in the maritime domain. It has been also recognized by UN's International Maritime Organization. In fact, it has 21 countries as partners, the majority from the Indian Ocean region, and is working with 22 multi-national agencies. In 2019, it conducted a coastal security workshop for BIMSTEC countries. During the MT New Diamond fire incident off the coast of Sri Lanka, IFC-IOR played a key role in the early mobilization of resources that resulting in a quick reaction.

Set up after 26/11, India to upgrade its 'eye in Indian Ocean' top maritime body

Nepal is all set to host a major summit Sagarmatha Sambad. What is interesting is that Kathmandu has invited all SAARC leaders including PM Modi for the event.&nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kathmandu, Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the SAARC grouping can't be replaced by BIMSTEC and that both are complementary to each other. Here's the full interview.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the relationship?

Pradeep Gyawali: Nepal and India enjoy excellent bilateral relationship which is characterized by an open border, an enhanced level of people-to-people contact, sharing of a common culture, religion and shared values and also trying best to take the relationship to near heights so that it can incorporate the new aspect of the development and economic partnership so that people of both countries can be benefited.

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&nbsp;

WION: You plan to host the Sagarmatha Sambad, can you give us the details of the project?

Pradeep Gyawali: We are hosting the Sagarmatha Sambad in coming April, it means the Everest Dialogue. It will be a permanent dialogue forum aiming to bring together scientists, academia, civil society to discuss and explore the ways and ideas of the common concern we are facing now. The theme will be climate change, mountains and future of humanity wherein we will discuss the adverse impact of climate change. We will discuss the ecological link between the mountains and the oceans and we will explore the new ways on how we can address this very alarming challenge because it posing a serious threat to the mountainous country and to the small island states as well.

WION: Who all will u be inviting for the summit?

Pradeep Gyawali: We have invited all the SAARC member nations, the nations of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region including Myanmar. We have invited small Island nations, some European friends, some Latin American friends, some friends from Africa as well, keeping in mind that the summit will be focused on the ecological link between mountains and oceans, we have invited many heads of the states, academia, scientist, researchers and people from the private sector.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-urges-india-to-reconsider-palm-oil-import-ban-276463">Nepal's finance minister urges India to reconsider palm oil import ban</a>

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WION: Kalapana border issue, have you engaged with the Indian side on this?

Pradeep Gyawali: We are in close contact and we hope the foreign secretaries to settle the unresolved issue. We are optimistic that via the diplomatic discussions, based on historical evidence, maps and treaties, we can solve and we should solve it. We would not like to carry on the baggage of history and focus on the future.

WION: Do you think SAARC can be replaced by BIMSTEC?

Pradeep Gyawali: No I don't think so, because SAARC has its own history, own strength and its own perspective and it cannot be and should not be replaced by some other mechanism. Both BIMSTEC and SAARC move together and we should not look at it as something exclusive. They can be complementary and though we all know that there are some problems and misunderstandings we are optimistic that the member nations can avail new ways to mitigate the differences and revive the regional cooperation. Without strong regional cooperation, we cannot address the common problems we are facing.

WION: Is cross-border terror the big challenge?

Pradeep Gyawali: Terrorism is a common challenge to global humanity and it is not a threat to just a particular country. One should have an unconditional stance on terrorism. All forms and the manifestation of terrorism should be condemned. It should be resisted, it should be protested and there should be no ifs and buts. It is equally important to explore the new areas of cooperation because such cooperation adds value to our struggle against terrorism.

Nepal is all set to host a major summit Sagarmatha Sambad. What is interesting is that Kathmandu has invited all SAARC leaders including PM Modi for the event. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kathmandu, Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the SAARC grouping can't be replaced by BIMSTEC and that both are complementary to each other.

Nepal is all set to host a major summit Sagarmatha Sambad. What is interesting is that Kathmandu has invited all SAARC leaders including PM Modi for the event. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Kathmandu, Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the SAARC grouping can't be replaced by BIMSTEC and that both are complementary to each other. Here's the full interview. WION: How do you see the relationship? Pradeep Gyawali: Nepal and India enjoy excellent bilateral relationship which is characterized by an open border, an enhanced level of people-to-people contact, sharing of a common culture, religion and shared values and also trying best to take the relationship to near heights so that it can incorporate the new aspect of the development and economic partnership so that people of both countries can be benefited. #WIONDirect from Kathmandu | Sagarmatha Sambad should focus on ecological link between mountains & oceans, we have invited many leaders, academics... SAARC has own history & perspective, it can't be replaced: Pradeep Gyawali, Foreign Minister, Nepal to @sidhant@akankshaswarups pic.twitter.com/UvI13JFSik — WION (@WIONews) January 25, 2020 × WION: You plan to host the Sagarmatha Sambad, can you give us the details of the project? Pradeep Gyawali: We are hosting the Sagarmatha Sambad in coming April, it means the Everest Dialogue. It will be a permanent dialogue forum aiming to bring together scientists, academia, civil society to discuss and explore the ways and ideas of the common concern we are facing now. The theme will be climate change, mountains and future of humanity wherein we will discuss the adverse impact of climate change. We will discuss the ecological link between the mountains and the oceans and we will explore the new ways on how we can address this very alarming challenge because it posing a serious threat to the mountainous country and to the small island states as well. WION: Who all will u be inviting for the summit? Pradeep Gyawali: We have invited all the SAARC member nations, the nations of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region including Myanmar. We have invited small Island nations, some European friends, some Latin American friends, some friends from Africa as well, keeping in mind that the summit will be focused on the ecological link between mountains and oceans, we have invited many heads of the states, academia, scientist, researchers and people from the private sector. Also read: Nepal's finance minister urges India to reconsider palm oil import ban × WION: Kalapana border issue, have you engaged with the Indian side on this? Pradeep Gyawali: We are in close contact and we hope the foreign secretaries to settle the unresolved issue. We are optimistic that via the diplomatic discussions, based on historical evidence, maps and treaties, we can solve and we should solve it. We would not like to carry on the baggage of history and focus on the future. WION: Do you think SAARC can be replaced by BIMSTEC? Pradeep Gyawali: No I don't think so, because SAARC has its own history, own strength and its own perspective and it cannot be and should not be replaced by some other mechanism. Both BIMSTEC and SAARC move together and we should not look at it as something exclusive. They can be complementary and though we all know that there are some problems and misunderstandings we are optimistic that the member nations can avail new ways to mitigate the differences and revive the regional cooperation. Without strong regional cooperation, we cannot address the common problems we are facing. WION: Is cross-border terror the big challenge? Pradeep Gyawali: Terrorism is a common challenge to global humanity and it is not a threat to just a particular country. One should have an unconditional stance on terrorism. All forms and the manifestation of terrorism should be condemned. It should be resisted, it should be protested and there should be no ifs and buts. It is equally important to explore the new areas of cooperation because such cooperation adds value to our struggle against terrorism.

At Nepal's global summit, an invite for all SAARC nations; Nepal FM says SAARC is complimentary to BIMSTEC

Ranong Port of Thailand and port trusts of Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata have inked three Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) to cut down sea travel time by half between the two countries.

The MoUs were signed at the first-ever two-day Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Conclave of Ports, being held at Vishakhapatnam on November 7-8, that aims to provide a platform to strengthen maritime interaction and port-led connectivity initiatives among member countries.

These MOUs will contribute to BIMSTEC`s objective of strengthening connectivity and is a part of India`s Act East Policy, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

"These MOUs will enhance economic partnership by cutting down the sea travel time between India and Thailand from 10 -15 days to 07 days," it read.

India attaches great importance to BIMSTEC which links five countries from South Asia - Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka and two from South-East Asia - Myanmar and Thailand.

The BIMSTEC region brings together 1.67 billion people, equivalent to around 22 per cent of the world population and a combined GDP of USD 3.71 trillion.

Four BIMSTEC summits have been held so far, the last one at Kathmandu in 2018.

The previous summits were held in Bangkok (Thailand) in 2004, New Delhi (India) in 2008, Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar) in 2014.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh MS Rao, Minister for Industries, Commerce and Information Technology, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh MG&nbsp;Reddy, along with Member of Parliament from Vishakhapatnam MVV&nbsp;Satyanarayana also attended the Conclave.&nbsp;

Ranong Port of Thailand and port trusts of Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata have inked three Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) to cut down sea travel time by half between the two countries.

Ranong Port of Thailand and port trusts of Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata have inked three Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) to cut down sea travel time by half between the two countries. The MoUs were signed at the first-ever two-day Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Conclave of Ports, being held at Vishakhapatnam on November 7-8, that aims to provide a platform to strengthen maritime interaction and port-led connectivity initiatives among member countries. These MOUs will contribute to BIMSTEC`s objective of strengthening connectivity and is a part of India`s Act East Policy, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. "These MOUs will enhance economic partnership by cutting down the sea travel time between India and Thailand from 10 -15 days to 07 days," it read. India attaches great importance to BIMSTEC which links five countries from South Asia - Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka and two from South-East Asia - Myanmar and Thailand. The BIMSTEC region brings together 1.67 billion people, equivalent to around 22 per cent of the world population and a combined GDP of USD 3.71 trillion. Four BIMSTEC summits have been held so far, the last one at Kathmandu in 2018. The previous summits were held in Bangkok (Thailand) in 2004, New Delhi (India) in 2008, Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar) in 2014. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh MS Rao, Minister for Industries, Commerce and Information Technology, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh MG Reddy, along with Member of Parliament from Vishakhapatnam MVV Satyanarayana also attended the Conclave.

Indian, Thai ports sign three MoUs to enhance connectivity

New Delhi’s strategy of prioritising BIMSTEC over SAARC, if only to isolate Pakistan and its China connection, has not deterred Beijing from stepping up its overtures to India’s other neighbours. So much so, that China’s shadow looms large over SAARC and the region.

Last week, the Chinese leadership had meetings with both the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepalese foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. &nbsp;

Both Hasina and Gyawali pledged to raise bilateral relations to new heights and advance their cooperation with China on its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). &nbsp;

After his meeting with Gyawali, China’s State Councilor and foreign minister Wang Yi said that China stands ready to work with Nepal and take the BRI cooperation as an opportunity to explore building a Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network. &nbsp;

In his effusive response, Gyawali said that Nepal sees in China a most important partner for sustainable development; and, it would like to further deepen the comprehensive cooperative partnership with China, enhance high-level exchange and step up BRI cooperation.

A day after that came Premier Li Keqiang’s meeting with Hasina, who also met President Xi Jinping. Both sides were emphatic in reiterating their commitment to advance cooperation on BRI. Of course, in the case of Bangladesh, BRI cooperation will be under the umbrella of the Bangladesh-China- India-Myanmar (BCIM) forum. Li said that the two countries should work together and build the BCIM Economic Corridor.

In effect, India would have to contend with two China-driven economic corridors: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the north-west and BCIM-EC in the north-east and east.

The BCIM risks being subsumed within BRI as BCIM-EC. In effect, New Delhi has to contend with not only China’s all-weather friend in SAARC. It has to also reckon with China as the more powerful magnet in SAARC and BCIM, and members of these two groupings in BIMSTEC being locked into BRI by China. &nbsp;

The BCIM-EC will be a big-ticket project of China's next only to CPEC.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

New Delhi’s strategy of prioritising BIMSTEC over SAARC, if only to isolate Pakistan and its China connection, has not deterred Beijing from stepping up its overtures to India’s other neighbours.

New Delhi’s strategy of prioritising BIMSTEC over SAARC, if only to isolate Pakistan and its China connection, has not deterred Beijing from stepping up its overtures to India’s other neighbours. So much so, that China’s shadow looms large over SAARC and the region. Last week, the Chinese leadership had meetings with both the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepalese foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. Both Hasina and Gyawali pledged to raise bilateral relations to new heights and advance their cooperation with China on its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). After his meeting with Gyawali, China’s State Councilor and foreign minister Wang Yi said that China stands ready to work with Nepal and take the BRI cooperation as an opportunity to explore building a Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network. In his effusive response, Gyawali said that Nepal sees in China a most important partner for sustainable development; and, it would like to further deepen the comprehensive cooperative partnership with China, enhance high-level exchange and step up BRI cooperation. A day after that came Premier Li Keqiang’s meeting with Hasina, who also met President Xi Jinping. Both sides were emphatic in reiterating their commitment to advance cooperation on BRI. Of course, in the case of Bangladesh, BRI cooperation will be under the umbrella of the Bangladesh-China- India-Myanmar (BCIM) forum. Li said that the two countries should work together and build the BCIM Economic Corridor. In effect, India would have to contend with two China-driven economic corridors: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the north-west and BCIM-EC in the north-east and east. The BCIM risks being subsumed within BRI as BCIM-EC. In effect, New Delhi has to contend with not only China’s all-weather friend in SAARC. It has to also reckon with China as the more powerful magnet in SAARC and BCIM, and members of these two groupings in BIMSTEC being locked into BRI by China. The BCIM-EC will be a big-ticket project of China's next only to CPEC. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: SAARC versus BIMSTEC versus BCIM

New Delhi’s strategy of prioritising BIMSTEC over SAARC, if only to isolate Pakistan and its China connection, has not deterred Beijing from stepping up its overtures to India’s other neighbours. So much so, that China’s shadow looms large over SAARC and the region.

Last week, the Chinese leadership had meetings with both the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. Both Hasina and Gyawali pledged to raise bilateral relations to new heights and advance their cooperation with China on its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). &nbsp; 
 
After his meeting with Gyawali, China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China stands ready to work with Nepal and take the BRI cooperation as an opportunity to explore building a Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network. &nbsp;

In his effusive response, Gyawali said that Nepal sees in China a most important partner for sustainable development; and, it would like to further deepen the comprehensive cooperative partnership with China, enhance high-level exchange and step up BRI cooperation.

A day after that came Premier Li Keqiang’s meeting with Hasina, who also met President Xi Jinping. Both sides were emphatic in reiterating their commitment to advance cooperation on BRI. Of course, in the case of Bangladesh, BRI cooperation will be under the umbrella of the Bangladesh China India and Myanmar (BCIM) forum. Li said that the two countries should work together and build the BCIM Economic Corridor.

In effect, India would have to contend with two China-driven economic corridors: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the north-west and BCIM-EC in the north-east and east. The BCIM risks being subsumed within BRI as BCIM-EC. In effect, New Delhi has to contend with not only China’s all-weather friend in SAARC. It has to also reckon with China as the more powerful magnet in SAARC and BCIM, and members of these two groupings in BIMSTEC being locked into BRI by China. &nbsp;The BCIM-EC will be a big-ticket project of China's next only to CPEC. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

New Delhi’s strategy of prioritising BIMSTEC over SAARC, if only to isolate Pakistan and its China connection, has not deterred Beijing from stepping up its overtures to India’s other neighbours. So much so, that China’s shadow looms large over SAARC and the region. Last week, the Chinese leadership had meetings with both the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. Both Hasina and Gyawali pledged to raise bilateral relations to new heights and advance their cooperation with China on its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). After his meeting with Gyawali, China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China stands ready to work with Nepal and take the BRI cooperation as an opportunity to explore building a Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network. In his effusive response, Gyawali said that Nepal sees in China a most important partner for sustainable development; and, it would like to further deepen the comprehensive cooperative partnership with China, enhance high-level exchange and step up BRI cooperation. A day after that came Premier Li Keqiang’s meeting with Hasina, who also met President Xi Jinping. Both sides were emphatic in reiterating their commitment to advance cooperation on BRI. Of course, in the case of Bangladesh, BRI cooperation will be under the umbrella of the Bangladesh China India and Myanmar (BCIM) forum. Li said that the two countries should work together and build the BCIM Economic Corridor. In effect, India would have to contend with two China-driven economic corridors: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the north-west and BCIM-EC in the north-east and east. The BCIM risks being subsumed within BRI as BCIM-EC. In effect, New Delhi has to contend with not only China’s all-weather friend in SAARC. It has to also reckon with China as the more powerful magnet in SAARC and BCIM, and members of these two groupings in BIMSTEC being locked into BRI by China. The BCIM-EC will be a big-ticket project of China's next only to CPEC. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: SAARC vs BIMSTEC vs BCIM

BIMSTEC: One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity

Change begins with dialogue. We kickstart #WIONWorldOrder with BIMSTEC - One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity. SESSION TWO: BIMSTEC: CREATING SHARED VALUE & CONSOLIDATING ECONOMIC INTEGRATION -Effective multilateralism, BIMSTEC’s vision of connectivity, and security capacity -Exploring new opportunities and leveraging strong partnership - Moving beyond SAARC - BIMSTEC a new momentum for regional cooperation, engagement and seamless connectivity -Evaluate India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and “Act East” policies -Understanding, preventing and surviving terrorism Dialogue Partners: Constantino Xavier, Fellow, Brookings India Veena Sikri, Professor & Ambassador Joyeeta Bhattacharje, Senior Fellow, ORF Dialogue Moderator: Palki Sharma

WION World Order session 2: BIMSTEC - Creating shared value and consolidating economic integration

Change begins with dialogue. We kickstart #WIONWorldOrder with BIMSTEC - One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity. SESSION ONE: UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF BIMSTEC -Understanding past successes of BIMSTEC to shape future priorities -Idea of BIMSTEC: Scope, Expansion & Challenges -Deepening Economic Cooperation -Geopolitical dimension of Maritime Security -Is SAARC irreplaceable? -Understanding the Maritime Dimension- Counter-Terrorism & and Maritime Security Initiative Dialogue Partners: His Excellency Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand His Excellency Mr. Austin Fernando, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka His Excellency Mr. Syed Muazzem Ali, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Dialogue Moderator: Palki Sharma

WION World Order session 1: Unlocking the potential of BIMSTEC

BIMSTEC is an important group of seven countries - Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan - in the South Asia and Southeast Asia region.

Thailand Ambassador His Excellency Chutintorn Gongsakdi on importance of BIMSTEC for India

BIMSTEC is working as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia with countries from SAARC and ASEAN being part of the grouping.

Professor and Ambassador Veena Sikri explains why BIMSTEC's concept of one Bay, one belief is integral now

Terrorism, radicalisation and extremism are very real factors in the #BIMSTEC region and so, information sharing is a strengthening factor, Professor and Ambassador Veena Sikri said on WION World Order.

WION World Order: Terrorism very real factor in BIMSTEC, information sharing will help: Professor & Ambassador Veena Sikri

The Thai Ambassador and the High Commissioners of Sri Lanka and Bangaldesh spoke to WION about enhancing opportunities among BIMSTEC countries. The Bangladesh High Commissioner emphasised on the need to change the organisational structure and make it equivalent to collaborations such as United Nations and European Union.

WION World Order: BIMSTEC should have a UN-like provision for permanent representative: Bangladesh High Commissioner

India being the most developed country in BIMSTEC, should act as a stable power so that things keep happening in the region, says Sri Lankan High Commissioner Austin Fernando.

WION World Order: India should act as stable power in BIMSTEC: Sri Lankan High Commissioner

The expert says a regional grouping like BIMSTEC should be empowered with financial capacity and expert manpower. He also highlights the key challenges faced by BIMSTEC.

WION World Order: Good to see India prioritising BIMSTEC: Brookings India Fellow Constantino Xavier

In the inaugural session of WION's brand new show WION World Order, three BIMSTEC ambassadors discussed a range of issues concerning the group besides talking on the significance of India in the group, ties with China and how the issue of terror and security affect the member states.&nbsp;

Syed Muazzem Ali Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India&nbsp;addressed the Rohingya issue and called for the rehabilitation of the refugees at the earliest. &nbsp;

"One million refugees can be a major threat to security not only for Bangladesh but for the entire region. For how long can we keep them confined to certain refugee camps?&nbsp;The best solution will still be to rehabilitate them to their own country. I think the sooner we do, the better it is. In our region, the insurgency has always been a problem. You would recall that Bangladesh and India have both faced similar problems in the past - insurgency and subversive elements were still operating in our region, who knows that these Rohingya refugees won't fall into wrong hands," Muazzem said.

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China is a major trading partner for all of us, but it has not shown interest in joining BIMSTEC nor have we invited China to join us: Bangladesh High Commissioner Syed Muazzem Ali tells <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONWorldOrder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONWorldOrder</a> <a href="https://t.co/7hnXWSIBDr">pic.twitter.com/7hnXWSIBDr</a>
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"Unless and until we have peace and security, we cannot ascend the path of development," he added. &nbsp;

Muazzem also highlighted the issue of underdevelopment in the region, stating that "all-rounded economic cooperation" is needed.&nbsp;

"We do not face any threat as such from any external power. 22 per cent of the global population lives in this region, yet we are the poorest, our agenda is to give a certain standard of living to our own people and to emerge as a developed country as fast as we can," he concluded. &nbsp;

In the inaugural session of WION's brand new show WION World Order, three BIMSTEC ambassadors discussed a range of issues concerning the group besides talking on the significance of India in the group, ties with China and how the issue of terror and security affect the member states.

In the inaugural session of WION's brand new show WION World Order, three BIMSTEC ambassadors discussed a range of issues concerning the group besides talking on the significance of India in the group, ties with China and how the issue of terror and security affect the member states. Syed Muazzem Ali Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India addressed the Rohingya issue and called for the rehabilitation of the refugees at the earliest. "One million refugees can be a major threat to security not only for Bangladesh but for the entire region. For how long can we keep them confined to certain refugee camps? The best solution will still be to rehabilitate them to their own country. I think the sooner we do, the better it is. In our region, the insurgency has always been a problem. You would recall that Bangladesh and India have both faced similar problems in the past - insurgency and subversive elements were still operating in our region, who knows that these Rohingya refugees won't fall into wrong hands," Muazzem said. China is a major trading partner for all of us, but it has not shown interest in joining BIMSTEC nor have we invited China to join us: Bangladesh High Commissioner Syed Muazzem Ali tells @palkisu on #WIONWorldOrder pic.twitter.com/7hnXWSIBDr — WION (@WIONews) June 18, 2019 × "Unless and until we have peace and security, we cannot ascend the path of development," he added. Muazzem also highlighted the issue of underdevelopment in the region, stating that "all-rounded economic cooperation" is needed. "We do not face any threat as such from any external power. 22 per cent of the global population lives in this region, yet we are the poorest, our agenda is to give a certain standard of living to our own people and to emerge as a developed country as fast as we can," he concluded.

One million refugees can be major threat to security of region: Bangladesh's High Commissioner on Rohingyas

Dialogue partners for 'BIMSTEC: One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity'

India has a key role to play in Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC. And New Delhi can fully realise it only if it acts as a good neighbour, professor &amp; ambassador Veena Sikri has said.

Speaking on WION World Order, Professor Sikri said, "Today, people are much more receptive to the issue of security because of terrorism. There is no country in the BIMSTEC region which has not been affected by terrorism. Radicalisation and extremism are very real factors in the region and so, sharing information on these and having a common programme is a strengthening factor for BIMSTEC."

If you see all the declarations, their wording is of course by consensus, but it is so strong, she added.

"We saw it is Sri Lanka, during the dastardly Easter Day attacks. A lot of information was shared - this is the live example. This should happen more among the BIMSTEC countries," professor Sikri said.

She acknowledged that every country has its red lines. "But these red lines have to be discussed - in friendship, in understanding - not imposed."

"Make yourself real and important as far as that country's own interest is concerned. Find the meeting ground, the win-win situation. This will make India a good neighbour, a welcome neighbour," she said.

Professor Sikri hoped that India will achieve its rightful place in the BIMSTEC region under the second term of Narendra Modi government, which has renewed its focus on the region under new External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7 trillion.

India has a key role to play in Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC. And New Delhi can fully realise it only if it acts as a good neighbour, professor & ambassador Veena Sikri has said.

India has a key role to play in Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC. And New Delhi can fully realise it only if it acts as a good neighbour, professor & ambassador Veena Sikri has said. Speaking on WION World Order, Professor Sikri said, "Today, people are much more receptive to the issue of security because of terrorism. There is no country in the BIMSTEC region which has not been affected by terrorism. Radicalisation and extremism are very real factors in the region and so, sharing information on these and having a common programme is a strengthening factor for BIMSTEC." If you see all the declarations, their wording is of course by consensus, but it is so strong, she added. "We saw it is Sri Lanka, during the dastardly Easter Day attacks. A lot of information was shared - this is the live example. This should happen more among the BIMSTEC countries," professor Sikri said. She acknowledged that every country has its red lines. "But these red lines have to be discussed - in friendship, in understanding - not imposed." "Make yourself real and important as far as that country's own interest is concerned. Find the meeting ground, the win-win situation. This will make India a good neighbour, a welcome neighbour," she said. Professor Sikri hoped that India will achieve its rightful place in the BIMSTEC region under the second term of Narendra Modi government, which has renewed its focus on the region under new External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7 trillion.

India should create a win-win situation for BIMSTEC neighbours and it will be welcomed: Professor and Ambassador Veena Sikri

In the inaugural session of WION's brand new show WION World Order, three BIMSTEC ambassadors discussed a range of issues concerning the group.&nbsp;

In an engaging discussing with Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand, Austin Fernando, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India and WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Syed Muazzem Ali Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India said BIMSTEC should have a UN-like provision for permanent representative.&nbsp;

"It will promote things which remain stagnant from one summit to another," Muazzem said, adding that good institutional support at this stage is important.&nbsp;

"The BIMSTEC secretariat has been established in Dhaka in 2014, it has a secretary general and they are functioning properly. Maybe this secretariat will have to be strengthened," he stated.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BIMSTEC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BIMSTEC</a> should have a UN-like provision for permanent representative - it will promote things which remain stagnant from one summit to another: Bangladesh High Commissioner Syed Muazzem Ali on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONWorldOrder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONWorldOrder</a> <a href="https://t.co/EvIN23yIQC">pic.twitter.com/EvIN23yIQC</a>
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"I have served at the UN for a long time and I would like to suggest, we must have a permanent representative kind of a mechanism so that member countries could also meet regularly at the secretariat in Dhaka and discuss various BIMSTEC issues from time to time. The same mechanism you have at the United Nations. If we have constant consultations at the secretariat at the high officials level, it will help us reach a political decision," he said.

Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Austin Fernando, agreed with Muazzem. "Institutionalisation is important. If you do not discuss, you will not go in for solutions," Fernando stated.&nbsp;

In the inaugural session of WION's brand new show WION World Order, three BIMSTEC ambassadors discussed a range of issues concerning the group. In an engaging discussing with Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand, Austin Fernando, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India and WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Syed Muazzem Ali Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India said BIMSTEC should have a UN-like provision for permanent representative.

In the inaugural session of WION's brand new show WION World Order, three BIMSTEC ambassadors discussed a range of issues concerning the group. In an engaging discussing with Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand, Austin Fernando, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India and WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Syed Muazzem Ali Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India said BIMSTEC should have a UN-like provision for permanent representative. "It will promote things which remain stagnant from one summit to another," Muazzem said, adding that good institutional support at this stage is important. "The BIMSTEC secretariat has been established in Dhaka in 2014, it has a secretary general and they are functioning properly. Maybe this secretariat will have to be strengthened," he stated. #BIMSTEC should have a UN-like provision for permanent representative - it will promote things which remain stagnant from one summit to another: Bangladesh High Commissioner Syed Muazzem Ali on #WIONWorldOrder pic.twitter.com/EvIN23yIQC — WION (@WIONews) June 18, 2019 × "I have served at the UN for a long time and I would like to suggest, we must have a permanent representative kind of a mechanism so that member countries could also meet regularly at the secretariat in Dhaka and discuss various BIMSTEC issues from time to time. The same mechanism you have at the United Nations. If we have constant consultations at the secretariat at the high officials level, it will help us reach a political decision," he said. Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Austin Fernando, agreed with Muazzem. "Institutionalisation is important. If you do not discuss, you will not go in for solutions," Fernando stated.

BIMSTEC should have UN-like provision for permanent representative: Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India tells WION

In the inaugural session of WION's brand new show WION World Order, three BIMSTEC ambassadors discussed unlocking the potential of the region and how India can be the key.&nbsp;

The inaugural session focused on the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC and saw Austin Fernando, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India; Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand and Syed Muazzem Ali Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India discuss how shared prosperity can be increased among the BIMSTEC member countries.&nbsp;

To begin with, WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay asked the guests to reflect on the potential of the BIMSTEC and whether the forum can be seen as a replacement of SAARC. Here's what the diplomats had to say.&nbsp;

Gongsakdi: Thailand isn't part of SAARC. India has renewed interest in &nbsp;BIMSTEC. All regional groupings have a similar agenda. For us, India will be important in every context, whether it is ASEAN or BIMSTEC. BIMSTEC is another platform where we can play out our agenda - trade and investment, connectivity.

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Three ambassadors of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BIMSTEC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BIMSTEC</a> countries discuss unlocking the potential of the region and how India can be the key on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONWorldOrder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONWorldOrder</a> <a href="https://t.co/W5uckxzXxg">pic.twitter.com/W5uckxzXxg</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1140938788455112710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Syed Muazzem: SAARC was promoted to boost regional cooperation among seven South Asian countries under the forum. BIMSTEC is an inter-regional organisation, it is not exactly meant to be a replacement. SAARC hasn't made much progress, it has suffered a setback but that doesn't mean it is dead. I am sure it can be revived. It has its own agenda and BIMSTEC has its own. &nbsp;

Austin Fernando: There are several regional organisations that have been coming up. Each has different priorities. BIMSTEC is, of course, deviating. SAARC, BIMSTEC talk of regional cooperation. We must make the use of the various organisation to achieve a particular purpose.&nbsp;Replacement is not the solution.&nbsp;

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7 trillion.

In the inaugural session of WION's brand new show WION World Order, three BIMSTEC ambassadors discussed unlocking the potential of the region and how India can be the key.

In the inaugural session of WION's brand new show WION World Order, three BIMSTEC ambassadors discussed unlocking the potential of the region and how India can be the key. The inaugural session focused on the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC and saw Austin Fernando, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India; Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand and Syed Muazzem Ali Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India discuss how shared prosperity can be increased among the BIMSTEC member countries. To begin with, WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay asked the guests to reflect on the potential of the BIMSTEC and whether the forum can be seen as a replacement of SAARC. Here's what the diplomats had to say. Gongsakdi: Thailand isn't part of SAARC. India has renewed interest in BIMSTEC. All regional groupings have a similar agenda. For us, India will be important in every context, whether it is ASEAN or BIMSTEC. BIMSTEC is another platform where we can play out our agenda - trade and investment, connectivity. Three ambassadors of #BIMSTEC countries discuss unlocking the potential of the region and how India can be the key on #WIONWorldOrder pic.twitter.com/W5uckxzXxg — WION (@WIONews) June 18, 2019 × Syed Muazzem: SAARC was promoted to boost regional cooperation among seven South Asian countries under the forum. BIMSTEC is an inter-regional organisation, it is not exactly meant to be a replacement. SAARC hasn't made much progress, it has suffered a setback but that doesn't mean it is dead. I am sure it can be revived. It has its own agenda and BIMSTEC has its own. Austin Fernando: There are several regional organisations that have been coming up. Each has different priorities. BIMSTEC is, of course, deviating. SAARC, BIMSTEC talk of regional cooperation. We must make the use of the various organisation to achieve a particular purpose. Replacement is not the solution. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7 trillion.

Three BIMSTEC ambassadors discuss potential of group but maintain it can't be alternative to SAARC

BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is an important regional grouping of nations and India's key focus area. Besides India, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-has-changed-a-lot-since-bimstecs-inception-thailand-ambassador-227899">BIMSTEC</a> comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.

As WION hosts the first episode of its monthly event <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-world-order-new-show-to-look-at-world-order-from-indias-perspective-227179">WION World Order</a>, the talking point in BIMSTEC. Constantino Xavier, Fellow at think tank Brookings India, feels BIMSTEC has the power to succeed provided it gets more financial resources.

"For regional cooperation and integration to succeed in the Bay of Bengal, India must empower BIMSTEC with more financial resources, expert staffing and organisational autonomy," he said.

Xavier is part of the panel taking part in discussions on creating shared value and consolidating economic integration under BIMSTEC. The discussion will focus on how to increase shared prosperity among the BIMSTEC member countries. The theme for the event is BIMSTEC: One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7&nbsp;trillion.

The monthly event will look at various groupings like ASEAN, G-20, SCO, and the impact they have created over the years. The focus will, of course, be on India's position in these groups and how much they have been able to create shared prosperity.

Given the geo-strategic importance of the South Asian region and relationships amongst the countries in the region, the event will showcase India's commitment and push for strong relations with member countries of the group.

BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is an important regional grouping of nations and India's key focus area.

BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is an important regional grouping of nations and India's key focus area. Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan. As WION hosts the first episode of its monthly event WION World Order, the talking point in BIMSTEC. Constantino Xavier, Fellow at think tank Brookings India, feels BIMSTEC has the power to succeed provided it gets more financial resources. "For regional cooperation and integration to succeed in the Bay of Bengal, India must empower BIMSTEC with more financial resources, expert staffing and organisational autonomy," he said. Xavier is part of the panel taking part in discussions on creating shared value and consolidating economic integration under BIMSTEC. The discussion will focus on how to increase shared prosperity among the BIMSTEC member countries. The theme for the event is BIMSTEC: One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7 trillion. The monthly event will look at various groupings like ASEAN, G-20, SCO, and the impact they have created over the years. The focus will, of course, be on India's position in these groups and how much they have been able to create shared prosperity. Given the geo-strategic importance of the South Asian region and relationships amongst the countries in the region, the event will showcase India's commitment and push for strong relations with member countries of the group.

BIMSTEC needs more financial resources: Brookings India's Constantino Xavier

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC is a priority for the Modi government in its second term. This was underlined by the presence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-has-changed-a-lot-since-bimstecs-inception-thailand-ambassador-227899">BIMSTEC leaders</a> at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.

Stressing the need for focussing on the Bay of Bengal region, Senior Fellow with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Joyeeta Bhattacharjee said, "BIMSTEC provides an opportunity for the countries in the Bay of Bengal region to work for peace and prosperity of the region."

Bhattacharjee will take part in the panel discussion on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-world-order-new-show-to-look-at-world-order-from-indias-perspective-227179">WION World Order</a>, our new platform for a dialogue on foreign policy and politics. The panel will discuss creating shared value and consolidating economic integration of BIMSTEC countries.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7&nbsp;trillion.

WION World Order, the monthly event, will look at various groupings like ASEAN, G-20, SCO, and the impact they have created over the years. The focus will, of course, be on India's position in these groups and how much they have been able to create shared prosperity.

Given the geo-strategic importance of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bimstec-needs-more-financial-resources-brookings-indias-constantino-xavier-227909">South Asian region</a> and relationships amongst the countries in the region, the event will showcase India's commitment and push for strong relations with member countries of the group.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC is a priority for the Modi government in its second term. This was underlined by the presence of BIMSTEC leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC is a priority for the Modi government in its second term. This was underlined by the presence of BIMSTEC leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month. Stressing the need for focussing on the Bay of Bengal region, Senior Fellow with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Joyeeta Bhattacharjee said, "BIMSTEC provides an opportunity for the countries in the Bay of Bengal region to work for peace and prosperity of the region." Bhattacharjee will take part in the panel discussion on WION World Order, our new platform for a dialogue on foreign policy and politics. The panel will discuss creating shared value and consolidating economic integration of BIMSTEC countries. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7 trillion. WION World Order, the monthly event, will look at various groupings like ASEAN, G-20, SCO, and the impact they have created over the years. The focus will, of course, be on India's position in these groups and how much they have been able to create shared prosperity. Given the geo-strategic importance of the South Asian region and relationships amongst the countries in the region, the event will showcase India's commitment and push for strong relations with member countries of the group.

Senior ORF Fellow Joyeeta Bhattacharjee on importance of BIMSTEC

The Modi government has renewed its focus on the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-world-order-new-show-to-look-at-world-order-from-indias-perspective-227179">BIMSTEC</a>. This was underlined by the presence of BIMSTEC leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.

Calling BIMSTEC a bridge organisation, Professor &amp; Ambassador Veena Sikri says, "BIMSTEC is a unique organisation. A large number of countries are based along the Bay of Bengal and their cooperation is required for the stability of the region."

Professor Sikri will be one of the esteemed panellists at WION World Order, our new platform for a dialogue on foreign policy and politics. The panel will discuss creating shared value and consolidating economic integration of BIMSTEC countries under the theme BIMSTEC: One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7&nbsp;trillion.

WION World Order, the monthly event, will look at various groupings like ASEAN, G-20, SCO, and the impact they have created over the years. The focus will, of course, be on India's position in these groups and how much they have been able to create shared prosperity.

Given the geo-strategic importance of the South Asian region and relationships amongst the countries in the region, the event will showcase India's commitment and push for strong relations with member countries of the group.

The Modi government has renewed its focus on the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC. This was underlined by the presence of BIMSTEC leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.

The Modi government has renewed its focus on the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC. This was underlined by the presence of BIMSTEC leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month. Calling BIMSTEC a bridge organisation, Professor & Ambassador Veena Sikri says, "BIMSTEC is a unique organisation. A large number of countries are based along the Bay of Bengal and their cooperation is required for the stability of the region." Professor Sikri will be one of the esteemed panellists at WION World Order, our new platform for a dialogue on foreign policy and politics. The panel will discuss creating shared value and consolidating economic integration of BIMSTEC countries under the theme BIMSTEC: One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7 trillion. WION World Order, the monthly event, will look at various groupings like ASEAN, G-20, SCO, and the impact they have created over the years. The focus will, of course, be on India's position in these groups and how much they have been able to create shared prosperity. Given the geo-strategic importance of the South Asian region and relationships amongst the countries in the region, the event will showcase India's commitment and push for strong relations with member countries of the group.

BIMSTEC a unique organisation: Professor and Ambassador Veena Sikri

Thailand Ambassador, His Excellency Chutintorn Gongsakdi, has said that he is proud to be a part of BIMSTEC and is looking forward to reflecting on its journey.

"It has been my privilege to be a part of the inception of BIMSTEC. The world has changed a lot since then. I look forward to reflecting on BIMSTEC's journey and its future direction," His Excellency Chutintorn Gongsakdi said. He will be participating in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-world-order-new-show-to-look-at-world-order-from-indias-perspective-227179">WION World Order</a>, a platform for mutual dialogue on foreign policies.

Hosted by WION, World Is One, will help keep abreast of all the latest that is happening globally and understand the power dynamics, security issues, trade and business. We try to look at he world order from India's perspective.

Watch: Thailand Ambassador on importance of BIMSTEC

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The inaugural session on Tuesday will focus on Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC. In this, we will discuss how shared prosperity can be increased among the BIMSTEC member countries. The theme for the event is BIMSTEC: One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity.

The monthly event will look at various groupings like ASEAN, G-20, SCO, and the impact they have created over the years. The focus will of course be on India's position in these groups and how much they have been able to create shared prosperity.

Given the geo-strategic importance of the South Asian region and relationships amongst the countries in the region, the event will showcase India's commitment and push for strong relations with member countries of the group.

Thailand Ambassador, His Excellency Chutintorn Gongsakdi, has said that he is proud to be a part of BIMSTEC and is looking forward to reflecting on its journey. "It has been my privilege to be a part of the inception of BIMSTEC.

Thailand Ambassador, His Excellency Chutintorn Gongsakdi, has said that he is proud to be a part of BIMSTEC and is looking forward to reflecting on its journey. "It has been my privilege to be a part of the inception of BIMSTEC. The world has changed a lot since then. I look forward to reflecting on BIMSTEC's journey and its future direction," His Excellency Chutintorn Gongsakdi said. He will be participating in WION World Order, a platform for mutual dialogue on foreign policies. Hosted by WION, World Is One, will help keep abreast of all the latest that is happening globally and understand the power dynamics, security issues, trade and business. We try to look at he world order from India's perspective. Watch: Thailand Ambassador on importance of BIMSTEC The inaugural session on Tuesday will focus on Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC. In this, we will discuss how shared prosperity can be increased among the BIMSTEC member countries. The theme for the event is BIMSTEC: One Bay, One Belief - Shared Prosperity. The monthly event will look at various groupings like ASEAN, G-20, SCO, and the impact they have created over the years. The focus will of course be on India's position in these groups and how much they have been able to create shared prosperity. Given the geo-strategic importance of the South Asian region and relationships amongst the countries in the region, the event will showcase India's commitment and push for strong relations with member countries of the group.

World has changed a lot since BIMSTEC's inception: Thailand Ambassador

The presence of BIMSTEC nations at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveyed a strong message. &nbsp;

It signalled at the fact that a stable and secure neighbourhood will be a priority of the country’s foreign policy.&nbsp;

BIMSTEC or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Trade and Economic Cooperation was established in 1997. However, it was only since the BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in 2016, that the regional bloc gained renewed importance in India’s foreign policy discourse.

The latest diplomatic outreach was not the first time, when heads of a regional organisation were invited to an occasion of national importance. In 2014, PM Modi had achieved a diplomatic feat by inviting the heads of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations for his swearing-in ceremony. It was remarkable that leaders from all the seven countries, including the then Pakistani premier, Nawaz Sharif, accepted the invitation. &nbsp;

Along similar lines, the government invited the heads of all ten ASEAN nations as Guests of Honour for India’s Republic Day celebrations, in 2018. &nbsp;

With this, New Delhi sought to demonstrate its commitment to the “Act East” Policy, which is driven by cooperation on 3Cs – commerce, culture and connectivity. &nbsp;

Thus, even though inviting leaders of a regional organisation is not unprecedented, an invitation to the heads of BIMSTEC countries sets the tone for India’s foreign policy priorities.

Firstly, BIMSTEC links two regions as it brings together the economies of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in South Asia and those of Myanmar and Thailand in Southeast Asia. &nbsp;

It, simultaneously, links the agenda of two major foreign policies of the BJP-led government, “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East.” Therefore, by inviting the heads of government of BIMSTEC nations, New Delhi conveyed its commitment to pursue the two foreign policies in tandem, thereby maximising efforts towards regional stability and security.

Secondly, BIMSTEC provides New Delhi a reliable platform to enhance multilateral cooperation that can strengthen regional connectivity. It can also drive a mutually beneficial and sustainable developmental agenda across the 14 focus areas of BIMSTEC. Some of these areas are trade, technology, transport, tourism, people-to-people connect and, blue economy. &nbsp;

A strong regional network in this part of the world would benefit as many as 22 per cent of the world’s population, whose combined GDP currently stands at about $2.7 trillion. Thirdly, the latest invitation reaffirmed the government’s strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific and the critical role the Bay of Bengal plays in India’s maritime policy. &nbsp;

&nbsp;The geostrategic position of the Bay of Bengal puts it at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and in close proximity to one of the busiest trade conduits – Strait of Malacca. The region also witnesses increasing Chinese naval and commercial presence, which has been accelerated under the garb of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).&nbsp;

The BRI has been endorsed by all BIMSTEC members barring Bhutan and India. Thus, a renewed focus on BIMSTEC can also serve as a bulwark against Chinese expansion in the region. It can help establish a strong regional architecture, and boost maritime cooperation and economic growth. &nbsp;

The invitation to BIMSTEC leaders has reignited the debate on the future of the other regional grouping SAARC and also the approach India would take in its engagement in South Asia.

Although it is clear that the SAARC has hit a dead-end due to the obstructive presence of Pakistan, India’s engagement with its western neighbours has not been halted. &nbsp;

Instead, PM Modi’s decision to select Maldives for his first international visit in the second term, and the continued warmth in India-Afghanistan relations, is an illustration of the government’s ongoing focus on South Asian solidarity, with or without Pakistan. &nbsp;

Therefore, the latest outreach to BIMSTEC countries is largely a continuation of PM Modi’s emphasis on the neighbourhood that was integral to his foreign policy in his first term. &nbsp;

While the diplomatic initiative itself is much welcome, New Delhi must now stress on the future course of action that can help realise the full potential, both economic and geostrategic, of the regional grouping. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bimstec-reaffirms-pm-modi-led-govt-s-strategic-focus-2759394"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The presence of BIMSTEC nations at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveyed a strong message. It signalled at the fact that a stable and secure neighbourhood will be a priority of the country’s foreign policy.

The presence of BIMSTEC nations at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveyed a strong message. It signalled at the fact that a stable and secure neighbourhood will be a priority of the country’s foreign policy. BIMSTEC or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Trade and Economic Cooperation was established in 1997. However, it was only since the BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in 2016, that the regional bloc gained renewed importance in India’s foreign policy discourse. The latest diplomatic outreach was not the first time, when heads of a regional organisation were invited to an occasion of national importance. In 2014, PM Modi had achieved a diplomatic feat by inviting the heads of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations for his swearing-in ceremony. It was remarkable that leaders from all the seven countries, including the then Pakistani premier, Nawaz Sharif, accepted the invitation. Along similar lines, the government invited the heads of all ten ASEAN nations as Guests of Honour for India’s Republic Day celebrations, in 2018. With this, New Delhi sought to demonstrate its commitment to the “Act East” Policy, which is driven by cooperation on 3Cs – commerce, culture and connectivity. Thus, even though inviting leaders of a regional organisation is not unprecedented, an invitation to the heads of BIMSTEC countries sets the tone for India’s foreign policy priorities. Firstly, BIMSTEC links two regions as it brings together the economies of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in South Asia and those of Myanmar and Thailand in Southeast Asia. It, simultaneously, links the agenda of two major foreign policies of the BJP-led government, “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East.” Therefore, by inviting the heads of government of BIMSTEC nations, New Delhi conveyed its commitment to pursue the two foreign policies in tandem, thereby maximising efforts towards regional stability and security. Secondly, BIMSTEC provides New Delhi a reliable platform to enhance multilateral cooperation that can strengthen regional connectivity. It can also drive a mutually beneficial and sustainable developmental agenda across the 14 focus areas of BIMSTEC. Some of these areas are trade, technology, transport, tourism, people-to-people connect and, blue economy. A strong regional network in this part of the world would benefit as many as 22 per cent of the world’s population, whose combined GDP currently stands at about $2.7 trillion. Thirdly, the latest invitation reaffirmed the government’s strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific and the critical role the Bay of Bengal plays in India’s maritime policy. The geostrategic position of the Bay of Bengal puts it at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and in close proximity to one of the busiest trade conduits – Strait of Malacca. The region also witnesses increasing Chinese naval and commercial presence, which has been accelerated under the garb of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI has been endorsed by all BIMSTEC members barring Bhutan and India. Thus, a renewed focus on BIMSTEC can also serve as a bulwark against Chinese expansion in the region. It can help establish a strong regional architecture, and boost maritime cooperation and economic growth. The invitation to BIMSTEC leaders has reignited the debate on the future of the other regional grouping SAARC and also the approach India would take in its engagement in South Asia. Although it is clear that the SAARC has hit a dead-end due to the obstructive presence of Pakistan, India’s engagement with its western neighbours has not been halted. Instead, PM Modi’s decision to select Maldives for his first international visit in the second term, and the continued warmth in India-Afghanistan relations, is an illustration of the government’s ongoing focus on South Asian solidarity, with or without Pakistan. Therefore, the latest outreach to BIMSTEC countries is largely a continuation of PM Modi’s emphasis on the neighbourhood that was integral to his foreign policy in his first term. While the diplomatic initiative itself is much welcome, New Delhi must now stress on the future course of action that can help realise the full potential, both economic and geostrategic, of the regional grouping. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

BIMSTEC reaffirms PM Narendra Modi-led government’s strategic focus

On ‘The Diplomacy Show’, WION speaks to Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand to India. Former Indian Diplomat and show host Arun K. Singh talks to Mr. Gongsakdi about BIMSTEC driving regional cooperation, the India-ASEAN partnership, and the Thai monarchy.

‘The Diplomacy Show’, WION speaks to Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand to India

‘The Diplomacy Show’ WION speaks to Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand to India

Regional groupings SAARC and BIMSTEC are both regionally significant blocs which could facilitate greater cooperation among member nations, Sri Lankan Maithripala Sirisena said Friday.

He also said Sri Lanka has a neutral foreign policy and maintains friendly relations with all countries.

Sirisena's comments came during a media interaction while replying to a question on whether SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) is losing relevance due to frosty relations between India and Pakistan.

He was here to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

"I believe both SAARC and BIMSTEC are regionally significant organisation. I believe it is very important that countries cooperate among each other," he said.

"Such cooperation leads to better bilateral relations and it strengthens trade and economic relations. Therefore, SAARC and BIMSTEC are both important regional organisations," the Sri Lankan president said.

On whether he will contest the upcoming presidential elections, Sirisena said no political party in Sri Lanka has named their candidates and he was also in no hurry to decide on it.

Asked about Pakistan giving shelter to terror groups, he did not give a direct reply but said Sri Lanka has a neutral foreign policy and that it follows a policy of friendship with all and enmity with none.

Citing continuing support to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, India has been maintaining that it was difficult to proceed with the (SAARC) initiative under current circumstances.

The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Modi. The 2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad.

But after the terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit.

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative.

In the past few years, India has been pushing for regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) umbrella.

Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of USD 3.5 trillion.&nbsp;

India invited leaders of the BIMSTEC countries to Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.

In 2014, Modi had invited all SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony, in a major initiative to reach out to the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

However, this time, the BIMSTEC leaders were invited, which was seen as an attempt to avoid inviting Pakistan for the event.&nbsp;

Regional groupings SAARC and BIMSTEC are both regionally significant blocs which could facilitate greater cooperation among member nations, Sri Lankan Maithripala Sirisena said Friday.

Regional groupings SAARC and BIMSTEC are both regionally significant blocs which could facilitate greater cooperation among member nations, Sri Lankan Maithripala Sirisena said Friday. He also said Sri Lanka has a neutral foreign policy and maintains friendly relations with all countries. Sirisena's comments came during a media interaction while replying to a question on whether SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) is losing relevance due to frosty relations between India and Pakistan. He was here to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony. "I believe both SAARC and BIMSTEC are regionally significant organisation. I believe it is very important that countries cooperate among each other," he said. "Such cooperation leads to better bilateral relations and it strengthens trade and economic relations. Therefore, SAARC and BIMSTEC are both important regional organisations," the Sri Lankan president said. On whether he will contest the upcoming presidential elections, Sirisena said no political party in Sri Lanka has named their candidates and he was also in no hurry to decide on it. Asked about Pakistan giving shelter to terror groups, he did not give a direct reply but said Sri Lanka has a neutral foreign policy and that it follows a policy of friendship with all and enmity with none. Citing continuing support to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, India has been maintaining that it was difficult to proceed with the (SAARC) initiative under current circumstances. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Modi. The 2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after the terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit. The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative. In the past few years, India has been pushing for regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) umbrella. Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of USD 3.5 trillion. India invited leaders of the BIMSTEC countries to Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan. In 2014, Modi had invited all SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony, in a major initiative to reach out to the neighbourhood. However, this time, the BIMSTEC leaders were invited, which was seen as an attempt to avoid inviting Pakistan for the event.

Both SAARC and BIMSTEC important for regional cooperation: Maithripala Sirisena

Leaders from Bimstec countries yesterday confirmed their participation at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30 evening.

WION Exclusive: In conversation with BJP's foreign affairs in-charge

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