The National Security Chiefs of BIMSTEC met to address counterterrorism and organized crime, cybersecurity, maritime and energy security, connectivity, disaster management, and emerging threats. Chaired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the meeting included delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The BIMSTEC Secretary General provided an overview of security cooperation progress and highlighted advancements in various sectors.
BIMSTEC, bridging South Asia and Southeast Asia, focuses on regional security, disaster management, transport, trade connectivity, technology, and people-to-people relations. The discussions aimed at practical solutions for combating terrorism, ensuring security, enhancing connectivity, and efficient disaster management. Guidelines for maritime disaster relief operations were adopted to expedite regional relief efforts.
As BIMSTEC approaches its 13th anniversary in 2027, National Security Chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and institutional capacities to address security threats. BIMSTEC, established in 1997, comprises seven Member States, with Bhutan and Nepal joining later, focusing on technical and economic cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.
