PM Modi attends 6th BIMSTEC Summit; describes forum vital platform for promoting global good

In the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok, the Prime Minister proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of cooperation.

Saying that it is time to boost business across BIMSTEC nations, he announced the establishment of the BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and the organisation of the BIMSTEC Business Summit every year.

PM Modi proposed a feasibility study on the possibilities of trade in local currency in the BIMSTEC region. He welcomed the signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, the adoption of the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, and the adoption of the Report of BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group.

The BIMSTEC Member States also adopted the Summit Declaration. At the BIMSTEC Summit, the Modi also called for harnessing the rich potential of the IT sector and making BIMSTEC technologically stronger. He observed that the recent earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand underscores the need to work together in the field of disaster management.

He said the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management will be established in India. He also called for taking cooperation to the world of space and stressed on making the security apparatus stronger.

He said BIMSTEC has the potential to be a shining example of capacity-building frameworks. He highlighted that under the BODHI initiative, 300 youths from BIMSTEC countries will be trained in India every year.

PM Modi also stated that the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival will be held in India this year. He said a few things connect like culture and hoped that cultural linkages bring BIMSTEC even closer. Suparna Saikia, Akashvani News, Delhi.
 
Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting with the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, on the sidelines of the summit. He also met his Bhutan counterpar,Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of the Summit. In a social media post, he said India’s friendship with Bhutan is robust, and both countries are cooperating extensively in several sectors.
 
Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to Thailand. Yesterday, he held bilateral talks with his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. They reviewed the entire range of bilateral cooperation between India and Thailand. 
 
Following the BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Sri Lanka later today for the second leg of his two-nation tour. During the three-day state visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

Earlier, President Disanayake had paid a State Visit to India as his first visit abroad after assuming office. This will be the Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka during his tenure in office.

The India-Sri Lanka relationship is rooted in deep civilizational links based on shared ties of history, religion, and culture, as well as strong people-to-people ties. Sri Lanka is an integral part of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, and the relationship has stood the test of time.