India's Role in BIMSTEC and Regional Challenges

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit, focusing on earthquake relief in Myanmar and revitalizing BIMSTEC. Established in 1997, BIMSTEC only recently received a charter, indicating a need for further development in regional cooperation.

Perception and Challenges of BIMSTEC

• SAARC vs. BIMSTEC: BIMSTEC is often seen as an alternative to the stalled South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The failure of the 2014 SAARC summit due to Pakistan's withdrawal has highlighted the challenges of regional cooperation with India.
• Historical Context: The Bay of Bengal was a unified region under British colonial rule, but geopolitical shifts reduced its strategic importance post-WWII. The rise of China and India's maritime ambitions have reintroduced relevance to this region.
• Economic Policies: Post-colonial economic strategies in India and Myanmar initially isolated the Bay of Bengal from global commerce. Reforms in the 1990s reignited hopes for regional integration, yet challenges remain.

Structural Constraints and Opportunities

• Lack of Trust: BIMSTEC has not yet achieved mutual trust levels seen in ASEAN, with ongoing disputes like those between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• Myanmar's Role: Myanmar’s weakened control is a significant hurdle for BIMSTEC’s vision of it as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia.
• India's Strategy: India should focus on building BIMSTEC institutions and trade relations while exploring bilateral engagements, such as those with Thailand and Sri Lanka.

India's Strategic Actions

• Unilateral Initiatives: India should identify opportunities for unilateral actions, like Thailand's visa-free policy for Indians, to enhance regional engagement.
• Economic Leverage: With an economy nearing $4 trillion, India can play a pivotal role in regional development by adjusting tariffs and enhancing trade.
• Maritime Development: Accelerating development of ports and maritime infrastructure, especially in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be crucial for strengthening regional ties.

Conclusion

India's proactive and multifaceted approach in BIMSTEC is essential for fostering regional integration and addressing the challenges within the Bay of Bengal region. By leveraging both multilateral and unilateral strategies, India can transform the geopolitical and economic landscape of this vital area.