Stronger BIMSTEC co-op on security, economy needed: India

New Delhi, July 16: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval today stressed the need for closer cooperation among BIMSTEC member countries to address economic challenges, including disruptions in global supply chains.

Addressing the 5th meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs and heads of delegations from other member States including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, Doval said that disruptions in global supply chains have caused economic hardships for all member countries. He reminded the delegates that they were meeting in the backdrop of a challenging global landscape. 

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the National Security Advisors/Heads of Delegations reiterated their resolve to further enhancing collaboration and knowledge - sharing towards strengthening regional security, building resilience and enhancing institutional capacities to address diverse security threats.

The NSAs/ Heads of Delegations discussed solutions to combat terrorism and organized crime, ensure security in the cyber, maritime and energy domains, enhance connectivity, facilitate efficient disaster management and to tackle new and emerging threats. 

They also endorsed a set of guiding principles on the conduct of maritime law enforcement agencies during interactions at sea. 

Addressing the NSAs and heads of delegations, Doval said, " In this setting, there is an urgent need for us to collaborate, take decisive actions for our mutual benefit and find solutions through mutual discussions and deliberations to the vast problems that we are facing. We are home to 1.7 billion people almost 22 per cent of the world's population with a combined GDP of nearly five trillion US dollars. We are connected by the Bay of Bengal not just geographically but also through deep civilizational and cultural legacies that have evolved over a millennium of shared history. For India, BIMSTEC represents our vision of Neighbourhood First, commitment to Act East and Mahasagar vision." 

Doval who is serving his third consecutive five-year term as NSA since 2014,  highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation among BIMSTEC member countries to address emerging security challenges and promote regional development.

He said that the member nations have made significant progress in combating terrorism, transnational organised crime, cyber threats and maritime security challenges.  Doval added that BIMSTEC countries are well positioned to tackle new and emerging threats together.

In a release put out late afternoon on the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs said that BIMSTEC bridges South Asia and Southeast Asia, two of the most significant and vibrant regions of the Indian Ocean. 

Over the years, BIMSTEC has deepened cooperation in regional security, disaster management, transport and trade connectivity, technological issues and people- to -people contacts. 

Doval welcomed among others Chatchai Bangchaud, Secretary General of the National Security Council, Dr Shamsul Islam, Advisor to the Bangladesh Prime Minister and the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in India, Hamidullah Riaz, Bhutan's Home Secretary, Sonam Wangyal, Bhutan's Ambassador to India, Major General Vetsop Namgyel, Myanmar delegation led by Tin Aung San, Nepal's Home Secretary, Raj Kumar Shrestha, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka