Staff Correspondent, Dhaka:
BIMSTEC security cooperation received renewed momentum at the 5th Meeting of the National Security Chiefs in New Delhi, reflecting the growing recognition that South and Southeast Asian nations must respond collectively to increasingly complex security challenges. As geopolitical competition, cyber threats, maritime risks and transnational crime intensify, the Bay of Bengal grouping is gradually expanding its role beyond economic cooperation into a more comprehensive regional security platform.
Chaired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the meeting brought together senior security officials from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey reviewed progress in addressing traditional and emerging security threats while urging faster implementation of agreed initiatives, stronger coordination, enhanced information sharing and sustained capacity-building among member states.
A key outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the BIMSTEC Guidelines for the Maritime Component of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, alongside endorsement of guiding principles for maritime law enforcement agencies during interactions at sea. These measures are expected to improve disaster response, strengthen maritime safety and reduce operational misunderstandings in the strategically important Bay of Bengal.
The discussions also covered counterterrorism, organized crime, cybersecurity, energy security, connectivity and disaster management, highlighting the increasingly interconnected nature of regional security. Such cooperation is particularly significant as member countries face common challenges ranging from climate-induced disasters to cyberattacks and maritime security risks.
The renewed emphasis on BIMSTEC security cooperation comes as the organization marks its 30th anniversary. While political differences among some member states continue to pose challenges, the meeting demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and practical collaboration. Sustaining this momentum through effective implementation will determine whether BIMSTEC can emerge as a credible regional security architecture capable of addressing evolving threats while supporting stability and resilience across the Bay of Bengal region.
