BIMSTEC Security Chiefs Meet In Delhi, Adopt Key Maritime Security Framework
BIMSTEC Members Adopt Maritime Security Guidelines In Delhi
National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on Thursday hosted the 5th Meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs in New Delhi, bringing together senior security officials from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand for discussions on regional security cooperation and emerging strategic challenges. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination among member states and addressing shared concerns affecting the Bay of Bengal region. The National Security Advisers and Heads of Delegations held extensive discussions on practical and result-oriented measures aimed at enhancing regional security cooperation.
The talks covered a range of issues, including maritime security, transnational crimes, terrorism, cyber threats and other emerging challenges requiring coordinated action among BIMSTEC countries. During the meeting, members adopted key maritime security guidelines aimed at improving cooperation in safeguarding the region's waters. The framework is expected to encourage greater information sharing, coordination among maritime agencies and joint efforts to address security challenges affecting the Bay of Bengal and surrounding areas.
The meeting was attended by delegations representing all BIMSTEC member countries — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The grouping, which brings together countries located around the Bay of Bengal, has increasingly focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as security, connectivity, trade, disaster management and regional development. Addressing the gathering, Doval highlighted the importance of collective efforts in dealing with evolving security threats. He stressed that changing geopolitical conditions and the growing complexity of security challenges require closer coordination between neighbouring countries.
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The NSA has previously called for stronger regional partnerships to address issues ranging from maritime threats to organised crime and terrorism. The adoption of maritime security guidelines marks another step towards building a coordinated approach among BIMSTEC members. With several countries in the grouping sharing maritime interests and facing common challenges such as illegal fishing, smuggling, trafficking and threats to shipping routes, enhanced cooperation is considered crucial for regional stability. BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, was established in 1997 and includes seven member states from South Asia and Southeast Asia.
India has been advocating greater cooperation within the grouping, particularly in areas linked to security, connectivity and economic integration. The 5th BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs' meeting comes at a time when countries across the region are dealing with a rapidly changing security environment. The discussions in New Delhi are expected to contribute to a more coordinated regional framework, with member states seeking practical solutions to address common threats while strengthening trust and cooperation among participating nations.
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