BIMSTEC Countries List 2025, Full Form, History and Summit

BIMSTEC, also known as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation recently held its 6th summit on April 4, 2025, in Bangkok. The summit was conducted under the chairmanship of Thailand to achieve the common objective of “Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC”. Read on to learn more about this organization!

6th BIMSTEC Summit 2025

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit 2025 was held on April 4, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. This summit came against the backdrop of a tragic earthquake that affected parts of Myanmar and Thailand, which added urgency to discussions around disaster relief and cooperation. Leaders from all seven member nations attended the meeting.

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One of the most significant aspects of this summit was the focus on regional connectivity, post-disaster coordination, and the handover of the chairmanship to Bangladesh for the next 2 years. Here is an overview of the 2025 BIMSTEC Summit:

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What is BIMSTEC?

Full of Form of BIMSTEC is Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is a regional grouping of countries that lie around or near the Bay of Bengal. BIMSTEC was established back on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration to promote economic cooperation among member countries.

BIMSTEC Headquarters

By 2023 this grouping had a combined GDP of $5.225 trillion (nominal). BIMSTEC headquarters is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. With time, BIMSTEC has grown into a platform to address shared challenges, including natural disasters, cross-border terrorism, and infrastructure deficits.

List of BIMSTEC Countries

BIMSTEC consists of seven member countries from South Asia and Southeast Asia. These are:

1. Bangladesh

2. India

3. Myanmar

4. Sri Lanka

5. Thailand

6. Nepal

7. Bhutan

These BIMSTEC countries are home to nearly 1.7 billion people, accounting for about 22% of the world’s population. Together, they provide a huge economic and strategic potential that can benefit the region through deeper cooperation.

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BIMSTEC History

The idea of BIMSTEC came to life with the Bangkok Declaration on 6 June 1997. It was initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation). Later, it was renamed BIMSTEC at its first Summit in Bangkok on 31 July 2004 after other countries joined it. Here is the key timeline of BIMSTEC:

• 1997: Founded as BIST-EC

• 1997: Myanmar joined, renamed as BIMST-EC

• 2004: Bhutan and Nepal joined, renamed as BIMSTEC

• 2014: Permanent Secretariat set up in Dhaka, Bangladesh

• 2022: BIMSTEC Charter adopted at the 5th Summit.

The organization has now grown into a structured regional body with a permanent secretariat, working groups, and regular summits.

Previous BIMSTEC Summits

So far, there have been six BIMSTEC summits under the chairmanship of different member countries. Here is the list of BIMSTEC summits so far:

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6th BIMSTEC Summit and Its Key Outcomes

Held in Bangkok in April 2025, the 6th BIMSTEC Summit took place just days after a major earthquake impacted Myanmar and Thailand. This tragic event dominated the summit agenda and pushed member countries to increase collaboration in disaster preparedness and humanitarian aid. Here are the key outcomes of BIMSTEC Summit 2025:

• Adoption of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit Declaration: Reflects the leaders' vision and sets the course for future cooperation among member states.

• BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030: This strategic plan aims to build a Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC by 2030.

• Progress Report by BIMSTEC Secretary General: Outlined progress since the 5th Summit, emphasizing continued regional cooperation.

• Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation: Aimed at enhancing maritime connectivity for better trade and travel.

• MoU with IORA: Formalizes partnership with the Indian Ocean Rim Association for mutual cooperation.

• MoU with UNODC: Strengthens cooperation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

• Rules of Procedure: Establishes a stronger institutional framework for BIMSTEC cooperation.

• Eminent Persons Group Report: Leaders adopted recommendations to reform and revitalize BIMSTEC.

• Joint Statement: Expressed solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand, reaffirming commitment to regional disaster management.

In conclusion, BIMSTEC is becoming a strategic platform for economic development, disaster response, and regional peace. The 6th BIMSTEC Summit 2025 showed that despite political challenges, cooperation is possible and necessary.

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