Bangkok, April 4, 2025: The Sixth BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit officially began today in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together leaders from seven South and Southeast Asian nations in a renewed push for regional cooperation, connectivity, and collective development. Among the summit’s most anticipated moments is the scheduled bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s former Prime Minister and current senior political leader, KP Sharma Oli.
This year’s summit, hosted under the theme “Towards a Resilient Region, Prosperous Economies”, focuses on deeper integration across areas such as trade, security, connectivity, energy cooperation, and climate resilience. Leaders from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and host nation Thailand are participating in this high-level diplomatic event, which is being closely watched by geopolitical analysts and economic observers.
A Platform for Strategic Realignment
The BIMSTEC Summit 2025 comes at a time when the region is witnessing rapid geopolitical shifts. With growing concerns over global supply chains, maritime security, and regional instability, BIMSTEC is emerging as a crucial forum for countries in the Bay of Bengal region to align their strategic goals and economic frameworks.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of BIMSTEC as a “bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia,” reaffirming India’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.
“India envisions BIMSTEC not just as a platform for dialogue, but as a vehicle for action – for building resilient infrastructure, enhancing trade, and empowering our people through digital and physical connectivity,” said PM Modi during the inaugural session.
Modi-Oli Meeting in Focus
Among the key bilateral engagements on the summit sidelines, the scheduled meeting between PM Modi and KP Sharma Oli is drawing particular attention. Relations between India and Nepal have seen fluctuations in recent years, owing to a mix of border disputes, diplomatic missteps, and internal political shifts in Nepal.
However, both sides have shown signs of renewed engagement, and the Bangkok meeting could serve as a reset. According to diplomatic sources, the leaders are expected to discuss cross-border infrastructure projects, energy cooperation – especially hydroelectricity – and issues related to trade and transit.
“There’s a shared understanding that India-Nepal ties must rise above temporary challenges. Both PM Modi and Mr. Oli are aware of the deep cultural, economic, and people-to-people linkages that bind our nations,” a senior official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs told reporters in Bangkok.
This meeting is particularly significant as Nepal prepares for general elections later this year, and India is keen to maintain strong relations with all major political stakeholders in Kathmandu.
Key Agendas of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
The summit’s official agenda features multiple thematic areas, with key focus points including:
Strengthening maritime cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.
Revamping the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) framework.
Enhancing energy connectivity, particularly hydro and renewable energy projects.
Joint action on climate change and disaster risk reduction.
Boosting digital connectivity and cybersecurity cooperation.
Security collaboration, especially counter-terrorism and transnational crime.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, who is chairing the summit, underscored the urgency of collective action in his keynote address:
“We are interlinked not just by geography, but by destiny. The time has come for BIMSTEC to rise as a pillar of regional integration, similar to ASEAN and the EU.”
What’s at Stake?
BIMSTEC, often viewed as a less active grouping compared to ASEAN or SAARC, is undergoing a phase of revitalization. With member states like India, Bangladesh, and Thailand pushing for tangible results, the Sixth Summit is seen as a turning point.
India’s recent push to develop its northeastern region and establish stronger ties with Southeast Asia via BIMSTEC corridors adds another layer of strategic interest. In this context, smooth relations with neighbors like Nepal are essential.
Furthermore, regional cooperation through BIMSTEC is seen as an alternative to the SAARC framework, which remains largely stalled due to India-Pakistan tensions.
Looking Ahead
As the summit progresses, observers will closely watch whether the member countries can move beyond diplomatic rhetoric to achieve actionable outcomes. If the Modi-Oli meeting yields a breakthrough, it could pave the way for a stronger, more connected Himalayan subregion – with potential spillover benefits for the entire BIMSTEC area.
With high expectations and multiple strategic interests converging in Bangkok, the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit may prove to be a pivotal moment in reshaping the future of regional diplomacy in South and Southeast Asia.
