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BIMSTEC Summit: Could Yunus and Modi Meet in Bangkok?
AProf. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, is set to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on April 4 in Bangkok, sparking speculation about the possibility of a landmark in-person meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the event.
Diplomatic sources confirm that Prof. Yunus will engage in a series of bilateral discussions during the summit, though details remain limited. This has raised hopes for a potential meeting between the two leaders, despite recent diplomatic tensions between Bangladesh and India over various issues. According to officials, while nothing is finalized, the BIMSTEC platform could offer an opportunity for dialogue between the two nations.
In recent months, the Chief Adviser has visited several countries, including the United States, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and Switzerland, and is scheduled to attend the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai from February 11-13.
Thailand will host the BIMSTEC Summit, with Bangladesh assuming the Chairmanship of the regional body. Since Thailand took over the Chairmanship from Sri Lanka on March 30, 2022, it has been driving efforts to further strengthen regional cooperation within BIMSTEC, which consists of seven member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
BIMSTEC Secretary-General, Indra Mani Pandey, recently highlighted that the summit will yield significant outcomes. “The summit will set a clear direction for the future of BIMSTEC,” he remarked. The summit, which was initially scheduled for September 2024 but postponed, is expected to produce several key deliverables.
Key Expected Outcomes of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit:
1. BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030
A roadmap for future cooperation within BIMSTEC, focusing on peace, stability, economic sustainability, and climate change adaptation.
2. Rules of Procedure for BIMSTEC Mechanisms
Operational frameworks to streamline activities and clarify the responsibilities of various BIMSTEC structures.
3. The Summit Declaration
A formal expression of commitment from member states, aligning with the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 and reflecting progress during Thailand’s Chairmanship.
4. Report of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons’ Group
Policy recommendations to guide the region’s development in line with Vision 2030.
Under Thailand’s leadership, efforts have been focused on maximizing the practical benefits of BIMSTEC cooperation, including regional economic integration, enhanced connectivity, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These initiatives aim to lower transportation costs, especially via sea routes, and facilitate smoother access to regional markets for entrepreneurs.
On the social front, Thailand has worked to bolster food security and public health, while also advancing sustainable tourism and promoting India and South Asia as key sources of tourists. With these multifaceted efforts, Thailand hopes to deepen regional ties and create a more resilient and interconnected BIMSTEC community.