On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a 21-point action plan to enhance cooperation among BIMSTEC nations. His proposals included integrating India’s UPI with the payment systems of member countries and establishing a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce to boost economic ties within the group. Speaking at the sixth BIMSTEC Summit, Modi emphasised the organisation’s significance as a platform for promoting global welfare.

“It is imperative we strengthen it and deepen our engagement. In this context, I proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of our cooperation," Modi shared in a post on X.

The action plan also features the BODHI initiative, which stands for BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure. As part of this program, India will train 300 young individuals from BIMSTEC member countries annually.

“BIMSTEC has the potential to be a shining example of capacity-building frameworks. We will all learn from each other and grow," PM Modi stated.

As part of the plan, he suggested conducting a pilot study to assess the needs of BIMSTEC countries and explore ways to share insights on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

“Additionally, I propose linking India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) with the payment systems in the BIMSTEC region. This will benefit trade, industry, and tourism at all levels," Modi expressed. “Let’s harness the rich potential of the IT sector and make BIMSTEC technologically stronger," he added further.

To strengthen business ties among BIMSTEC nations, the PM Modi proposed establishing a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, hosting annual business summits, and exploring the possibility of trade in local currencies within the region. At the beginning of his address, he expressed condolences for the lives lost and the damage caused by the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on March 28. He emphasised that “the recent earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand underscores the need to work together in the field of disaster management”. He proposed setting up the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India to enhance disaster response, relief, and rehabilitation cooperation.

This year, India will also host the fourth joint exercise between the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities.

The BIMSTEC Summit, hosted by Thailand, brought together leaders from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. During the summit, members adopted the Bangkok Vision 2030, reaffirming their commitment to prosperity, security, and inclusivity in the Bay of Bengal region. The Prime Minister highlighted the role of BIMSTEC, saying, “BIMSTEC serves as a bridge connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is emerging as an effective platform to open new avenues of regional connectivity, cooperation, and prosperity."

He suggested establishing a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India to improve coordination in capacity building, research, innovation, and maritime policies.

The Prime Minister underlined that a free, open, secure, and safe Indian Ocean is “our shared priority.” He stated, “The Maritime Transport Agreement signed today will strengthen cooperation in merchant shipping and cargo transport and accelerate trade.”

Speaking about the proposed Centre, he added, “This Centre will focus on capacity building, research, innovation, and coordination in maritime policies. It will also promote cooperation in maritime security."

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of continuously expanding the scope and capabilities of the BIMSTEC grouping. He welcomed the Home Ministers' Mechanism's institutionalisation and proposed hosting its first meeting in India.

“This forum can play a vital role in the fight against cybercrime, cybersecurity threats, terrorism, and drug and human trafficking. In this regard, I propose to host its first meeting this year in India," he stated.

He also suggested establishing ground stations for manpower training in BIMSTEC countries, manufacturing and launching nano-satellites, and utilising remote sensing data.

“Let’s take our cooperation to the world of space. Let’s also make our security apparatus stronger," the Prime Minister said. As part of the training and capacity-building initiative, he proposed scholarships for BIMSTEC students at the Forest Research Institute of India and Nalanda University and an annual training program for young diplomats from BIMSTEC countries.

The Tata Memorial Centre will assist BIMSTEC countries by providing training and capacity-building support in cancer care.

He also proposed setting up a Centre of Excellence dedicated to research and knowledge-sharing in traditional medicine, along with another Centre of Excellence in India, to facilitate knowledge exchange, best practices, research, and capacity-building efforts aimed at benefiting farmers. To strengthen cultural ties and connectivity, India will host the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival later this year. Additionally, he called for expediting work on the electric grid interconnection among BIMSTEC nations.

To engage young people, he announced that the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit will take place this year, along with the launch of the BIMSTEC Hackathon and the Young Professional Visitors program.

He suggested organising the BIMSTEC Athletics Meet in India this year and hosting the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027.

“We will collectively energise BIMSTEC, and it’s our youth who will take the lead," Modi stated.