GS2 · 10 marks · 150 words

Discuss the relevance of BIMSTEC as a regional organisation to fulfil India's strategic aspirations in the Indian Ocean Region.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic AffairsBilateral RelationsNeighbourhoodTrade and Economic Diplomacy

Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

How toppers approached it

From all 4 answers · about 140 words · 75% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition3 of 4
  • No separate opening1 of 4

Body

  • Points3 of 4
  • Points and prose1 of 4

Close

  • A way forward3 of 4
  • No separate close1 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Ishita KishoreAIR 1 · 137 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

BIMSTEC envisages technical and multisectoral cooperation among the Bay of Bengal countries & is a vital part of India's Act East Policy.

Body · points

Diagram
BIMSTEC Members (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Srilanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand)

Fulfils Indias Aspirations in Indian Ocean

-i- Countere China's String of Pearls via cooperation (Kyaukpyu, Hambantota ports, Chittagong etc)

-ii- Economic ties & connectivity & commerce Eg IMT highway, BBIN, BCIN

iii- Acts as a bridge to ASEAN enhancing connectivity in Indo Pacific iv- Cultural & civilisational connect with South East -v- Important as SAARC is defunct vi- Augments other initiatives Eg QUAD

Diagram
Challenges → Rohingya Crisis → Slow implementation (India Promises, China Delivers)
  • India seen as big brother bully by neighbours
  • Insecurity due to ↑ militarisation in region (Yuan Wang 5, Malabar)

Close · a way forward

For a 'Free Open & Inclusive Indo Pacific', BIMSTEC augments India's efforts to ensure 'Vasudheva Kutumbakam'. India needs to fast track implementation to counter China & make use of Gujral doctrine

More on Regional Groupings

SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, QUAD, BRICS, SCO and the like.

All GS2 questions on Regional Groupings