Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls upon BIMSTEC countries to tackle Covid-19 pandemic unitedly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the enhanced regional cooperation amongst BIMSTEC member countries and called for a united flight to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation also known as BIMSTEC is a sub-regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

In his message, the Prime Minister acknowledged the progress made by the grouping on several fronts in recent years. He stressed the need to continue to work together in the fight against the pandemic. Mr Modi said, BIMSTEC Day was marked amidst a difficult phase of the COVID pandemic. He said, it is an unprecedented challenge and a testing time for all.

The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for enhanced regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework which has intensified substantially in recent years. He highlighted the progress that has been made on several fronts including the finalisation of the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity and the text of the BIMSTEC Charter.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also stressed on the enormous potential of Bay of Bengal cooperation. He said it helps bridge South and South East Asia and also contributes to Act East and Indo-Pacific policies.