Senior ORF Fellow Joyeeta Bhattacharjee on importance of BIMSTEC

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC is a priority for the Modi government in its second term. This was underlined by the presence of BIMSTEC leaders at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.

Stressing the need for focussing on the Bay of Bengal region, Senior Fellow with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Joyeeta Bhattacharjee said, "BIMSTEC provides an opportunity for the countries in the Bay of Bengal region to work for peace and prosperity of the region."

Bhattacharjee will take part in the panel discussion on WION World Order, our new platform for a dialogue on foreign policy and politics. The panel will discuss creating shared value and consolidating economic integration of BIMSTEC countries.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of US $2.7 trillion.

WION World Order, the monthly event, will look at various groupings like ASEAN, G-20, SCO, and the impact they have created over the years. The focus will, of course, be on India's position in these groups and how much they have been able to create shared prosperity.

Given the geo-strategic importance of the South Asian region and relationships amongst the countries in the region, the event will showcase India's commitment and push for strong relations with member countries of the group.