Bangkok prepares for 6th BIMSTEC Summit

Bangkok

Bangkok is set to host the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on April 4, with final preparations in full swing. Ahead of the summit, the 25th Meeting of Senior Officials took place, where India's Secretary (East) P. Kumaran joined discussions on cooperation across key sectors.

The BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled for April 3 to finalize the summit agenda. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the discussions, highlighting progress in regional collaboration.

The Thai capital is decorated with flags of BIMSTEC’s seven member nations—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—alongside billboards promoting the event. This year’s theme, BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open, emphasizes trade, security, and connectivity.

BIMSTEC, established in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration, links South and Southeast Asia. Thailand, a founding member, plays a key role in its development. The summit aims to enhance economic ties among members.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the event and meet Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on April 3. This marks his third visit to Thailand, following his participation in the 2019 ASEAN Summit and a 2016 visit honoring the late King Rama IX.

Thailand is India’s fourth-largest trading partner in ASEAN, reinforcing its strategic importance in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. The summit is expected to strengthen regional partnerships and boost economic cooperation.