National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on Thursday urged BIMSTEC member countries to strengthen regional cooperation to deal with growing security challenges. He said the current global situation demands collective efforts and decisive action. He made these remarks while addressing the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' Meeting in New Delhi.

Doval said the world is facing a difficult phase marked by conflicts, geopolitical uncertainty and fast-changing technology. He said these developments have created new security challenges across different sectors. He also pointed out that disruptions in global supply chains have affected economies across the region.

Speaking at the meeting, Doval said, "We are meeting today in the backdrop of a challenging global landscape. We are witnessing conflicts and geopolitical uncertainties. We are also facing multi-domain security threats, amplified by rapid technological advancements. Disruptions in global supply chains have also resulted in economic hardship for all our countries."

He stressed that BIMSTEC members should work closely to deal with these shared challenges. He called for stronger cooperation and practical solutions that benefit every member country. Doval said, "In this setting, there's an urgent need for us to collaborate, take decisive actions for our mutual benefit, and find solutions through mutual discussions and deliberations to the vexed problems that we are all facing."

Doval highlighted the importance of BIMSTEC in connecting two of the world's fastest-growing regions. He said the grouping represents nearly 1.7 billion people, which is around 22 per cent of the global population. He added that the combined GDP of the member countries stands at nearly USD 5 trillion.

He also spoke about the deep historical ties shared by the member nations. Doval said, "We are united by the Bay of Bengal, not just geographically, but also through deep civilisational and cultural legacies that have evolved over a millennium of shared history."

The NSA said BIMSTEC has built strong cooperation across several sectors over the years. He noted that the organisation has made steady progress in handling common security concerns. Doval said, "Building on these unique bonds, BIMSTEC has been anchored in robust cooperation across a range of sectors on the foundations of a great past. We strive to achieve a great future, sharing prosperity and resilience for all our people."

He said the member countries have expanded cooperation in fighting terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats and maritime security. He also said the grouping is preparing to face future challenges together. Doval stated, "We have advanced and strengthened cooperation in fighting terrorism, combating transnational organised crime, cyber threats, meeting maritime challenges, and we are poised to combat new and emerging threats together."

Doval said BIMSTEC should continue to focus on its core priorities. He identified regional security, connectivity, capacity building and economic security as the key areas that should guide future cooperation. He said, "BIMSTEC's long-standing goals of regional security, connectivity, capacity building, and economic security should continue to drive our collective efforts."

He also explained India's approach towards the regional grouping. Doval described BIMSTEC as an important part of India's foreign policy. He said it supports the country's Neighbourhood First policy, Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision. He stated, "For India, BIMSTEC represents our vision of Neighbourhood First, our commitment to Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions."

Looking ahead, Doval noted that BIMSTEC will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. He urged member countries to use the milestone to deepen cooperation and strengthen institutions. He called for fresh energy and greater resources to improve regional security and resilience. Doval said, "As BIMSTEC celebrates its 30th anniversary next year, let us commit to further expand our collaborative potential and infuse new energy and resources towards ensuring regional security. We aim to build institutional capacity and cooperation across our priority sectors."

He also expressed confidence in the future of the regional grouping. Doval said the shared vision, trust and common goals among member countries will continue to deliver positive results. He said, "I am certain that our vision and common aspirations, coupled with mutual trust, will continue to result in tangible outcomes."

India is hosting the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' Meeting in New Delhi. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was established on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration. It began as BIST-EC, which included Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Myanmar joined later in 1997, while Bhutan and Nepal became members in February 2004. BIMSTEC now has seven member countries and continues to strengthen cooperation across economic, technical and security sectors.