+
Prime Minister Participates in 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand
ECONOMY & POLICY

Prime Minister Participates in 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took part in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit held on 4 April 2025, hosted by Thailand—the current chair of the grouping. The Summit’s theme, “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”, underscored the shared aspirations of member nations and the vision for inclusive growth amidst global uncertainties.

Opening his address by extending condolences over the tragic loss of lives in the recent earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for his leadership. He highlighted BIMSTEC’s strategic role as a vital bridge between South and Southeast Asia and stressed the need to enhance the organisation’s agenda and institutional capacity.

Several India-led initiatives were announced to strengthen regional cooperation. These include the establishment of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in India focused on Disaster Management, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine, and Agricultural Research and Training. A new human resource initiative—BODHI (BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure)—was also launched to offer training and scholarships across sectors.

Further, Prime Minister Modi proposed a pilot study to identify regional needs for Digital Public Infrastructure and a capacity-building programme for cancer care. To boost economic integration, India offered to set up a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and host an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit.

On the cultural front, he announced India’s plans to host a BIMSTEC Athletics Meet this year, the inaugural BIMSTEC Games in 2027 to mark the grouping’s 30th anniversary, and a Traditional Music Festival. Initiatives to engage the youth include a Young Leaders’ Summit, a Hackathon, and a Young Professional Visitors Programme.

The Summit concluded with the adoption of several key documents:

Summit Declaration

BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, outlining the roadmap for collective prosperity BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, enabling closer maritime cooperation Report of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group, offering strategic recommendations for the future of the grouping.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took part in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit held on 4 April 2025, hosted by Thailand—the current chair of the grouping. The Summit’s theme, “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”, underscored the shared aspirations of member nations and the vision for inclusive growth amidst global uncertainties. Opening his address by extending condolences over the tragic loss of lives in the recent earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for his leadership. He highlighted BIMSTEC’s strategic role as a vital bridge between South and Southeast Asia and stressed the need to enhance the organisation’s agenda and institutional capacity. Several India-led initiatives were announced to strengthen regional cooperation. These include the establishment of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in India focused on Disaster Management, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine, and Agricultural Research and Training. A new human resource initiative—BODHI (BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure)—was also launched to offer training and scholarships across sectors. Further, Prime Minister Modi proposed a pilot study to identify regional needs for Digital Public Infrastructure and a capacity-building programme for cancer care. To boost economic integration, India offered to set up a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and host an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit. On the cultural front, he announced India’s plans to host a BIMSTEC Athletics Meet this year, the inaugural BIMSTEC Games in 2027 to mark the grouping’s 30th anniversary, and a Traditional Music Festival. Initiatives to engage the youth include a Young Leaders’ Summit, a Hackathon, and a Young Professional Visitors Programme. The Summit concluded with the adoption of several key documents: Summit Declaration BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, outlining the roadmap for collective prosperity BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, enabling closer maritime cooperation Report of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group, offering strategic recommendations for the future of the grouping.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Cabinet Clears Rs 15.07 Bn Greenfield Airport Project in Kota-Bundi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of Rs 15.07 billion.Kota, located on the banks of the Chambal River, is widely recognised as the industrial capital of Rajasthan and a prominent educational coaching hub. To support the region’s growing needs, the Government of Rajasthan has handed over 440.06 hectares of land to AAI for the project.The new Greenfield Airport will be designed to handle oper..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt may extend MSME NPA classification period to 180 days

The Union government is considering a proposal to extend the non-performing asset (NPA) classification period for loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the existing 90 days to 180 days, according to a senior government official who requested anonymity.“The proposal to extend the loan default period for MSMEs from 90 days to 180 days is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet soon,” the official said.The move is expected to provide relief to cash-strapped MSMEs, especially against the backdrop of steep US tariffs, giving them more time to regularise their loan repayments.Ne..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

FedEx, IIT Madras Launch SMART Centre for Sustainable, AI-led Logistics

FedEx has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to inaugurate the SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on the institute’s campus. The facility will drive innovation in sustainable and AI-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year $5 million grant from FedEx, the SMART Centre aims to combine advanced research, digital technologies, and industry expertise to transform supply chains with a focus on agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility.The centre will also spearhead interdisciplinary projects in ar..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?