The 3rd BIMSTEC Dialogue 2025: Strengthening Regional Cooperation

By A Staff Reporter

Bangkok, Thailand – The 3rd BIMSTEC Dialogue, held from April 1-3, 2025, at Chulalongkorn University, brought together key policymakers, academics, and business leaders to discuss the imperatives and impediments of regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. The event highlighted BIMSTEC’s role in fostering economic growth, security, and connectivity among its seven member nations: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, former Minister of State for External Affairs of India, addressed the gathering, reflecting on his previous participation in BIMSTEC conferences and reiterating India’s commitment to strengthening the organization. He emphasized the importance of maritime security, trade integration, climate resilience, and cultural exchanges to ensure a prosperous future for the region.

Key challenges discussed included BIMSTEC’s lack of institutional capacity, slow decision-making, and overlapping regional affiliations that sometimes hinder progress. To counter these, Dr. Singh proposed enhancing institutional mechanisms, fostering private sector involvement, and promoting coordinated regional policies.

As the Indian Ocean grows in strategic significance, BIMSTEC stands as a crucial bridge between South and Southeast Asia. The dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment to regional prosperity, highlighting BIMSTEC’s potential to drive economic and strategic cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.