Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC ? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two ? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation ?

Cross-roads between ASEAN and SAARC

1. geographically, includes countries between the two groupings. SAARC includes all south Asian Countries ASEAN includes South East Asian Countries

2. filled vaccum → SAARC was lying non-functional since 2014 due to India-Pakistan feud whereas ASEAN was more inclined to China. Thus Bay of Bengal region was left in between.

3. Importance of Bay of Bengal for India → India's own region → to forbid China to increase its

footprint here more connectivity in the region means more trade and investment

Natural convergence of countries

→ BoB has not yet been explored = may contain huge mineral wealth and other natural resources

→ Increasing connectivity → will help to increase Intra-BIMSTEC trade and commerce; decrease cost of goods

→ Security of the region → from terrorism and maritime risks (Drug trade, human trafficking etc)

→ Rising water level due to climate change will impact littoral states badly

→ People to people contacts since ancient times = extended neighbours

→ China's footprint into the region

can be controlled by energetic engagements-

5th BIMSTEC summit in Sri Lanka led to the adoption of its charter. It has been decided that more such engagements and regular summits must be held.

The region has immense potential to grow - largest young population here, developing countries. Therefore BIMSTEC has immense potential to set new world order in the coming times. India needs to respect values of small BIMSTEC nations to avoid risk of asymmetry in the relation