For Prelims:
- BIMSTEC: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, a regional organization.
- Region: Focuses on the Bay of Bengal region, connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia. Relevant to understanding India’s role in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean.
- SAARC Alternative: BIMSTEC is viewed as a viable alternative to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Why in News:
* The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was hosted by Thailand.
* The summit focused on strengthening regional cooperation and addressing key challenges.
For Mains:
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Key Highlights of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit:
- Bangkok Vision 2030: A roadmap for regional prosperity, economic integration, and resilience.
- BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence: India to establish centers for Disaster Management, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine, and Agriculture.
- BODHI Program: Skill development and capacity building program for BIMSTEC nations.
- Cancer Care Capacity Building: Proposed program for cancer care.
- BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and Business Summit: To promote regional economic integration.
- People-to-People Linkages: Initiatives like BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (2025), First BIMSTEC Games (2027), and cultural exchange programs to strengthen ties.
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Significance of BIMSTEC for Regional Cooperation:
- Act East Policy Alignment: Enhances India’s trade and security prominence.
- Alternative to SAARC: Provides a platform for regional cooperation in South Asia.
- Platform for Regional Cooperation: Facilitates cooperation among South and Southeast Asian countries, especially in security and HADR.
- Counterbalancing China: Serves as a platform to balance China’s growing influence in the region.
- Cultural Preservation: Promotes and preserves the region’s intangible cultural heritage.