The BIMSTEC Charter has officially come into effect, marking a significant milestone in the organisation's development. This milestone opens avenues for the admission of observers and new members, while also establishing a legal and institutional framework to enhance cooperation among member states.

The acronym BIMSTEC represents the 'Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation'. This international organisation consists of seven member countries: India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Its primary objective is to promote enhanced collaboration and partnership within the Bay of Bengal region.

According to the official website of BIMSTEC, the Charter of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) came into effect on 20th May 2024.

"The statement noted that the Charter, which enables external partnerships and facilitates the admission of observers and new members, was signed by the Heads of State and Government of the BIMSTEC member States during the Fifth Summit, conducted virtually in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 30th March 2022."

The Ministry of External Affairs celebrated the achievement, emphasising its significance for regional cooperation within BIMSTEC. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal hailed the entry into force of the BIMSTEC Charter on 20th May 2024, highlighting its role in providing a legal and institutional framework for enhanced cooperation and integration across the Bay of Bengal region.

Jaiswal noted that the Charter enables BIMSTEC to collaborate with other interested countries and organisations, as well as to admit Observers and new Members, marking a significant milestone for the organization.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commended the development, emphasising its significance in reaffirming India's dedication to fostering a prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable neighbourhood.

"The entry into force of the BIMSTEC Charter reaffirms India’s commitment to a prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable neighbourhood. It is achieved by building on our shared history, culture, vision, and mutual respect for each other. BIMSTEC reflects the synthesis of our Neighbourhood First and Act East policies!" Jaishankar stated on X.

The sixth BIMSTEC summit is set to convene in Thailand in 2024. For India, the BIMSTEC regional forum serves as a convergence point for its "Neighbourhood First" policy, its "Act East" outlook, and its interests in the Indian Ocean.

Image source: ANI