India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, reaffirming its leadership role in enhancing regional maritime connectivity and cooperation among the Bay of Bengal nations. The two-day event was organized under the aegis of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority and focused on promoting blue economy, innovation, and sustainable maritime partnerships.
Key Details of Conclave
| Feature | Description |
| Theme | “Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation and Sustainable Partnerships” |
| Host Country & Venue | India; Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Participants | Delegates from BIMSTEC member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand including officials, port authorities, experts, private sector leaders |
| Organised by | Visakhapatnam Port Authority under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways |
| Key Objective | To operationalise the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC) and enhance regional maritime collaboration |
Highlights & Discussions
- Operationalization of BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement (AMTC)
- Establishment of the BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre at IOCE-SMarT, Mumbai
- Topics Discussed:
- Harmonization of customs procedures
- Enhancing logistics integration and intra-regional trade
- Promotion of cruise tourism, green shipping, and digital port systems
- Upskilling maritime workforce and industry-academia partnerships
- Showcasing India’s Harit Sagar and Green Ports initiatives
Significance for India
| Area | Importance |
| Maritime Connectivity & Trade | Conclave emphasized the need to strengthen port-to-port and multimodal regional trade links |
| Policy Alignment | Reinforces India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East policies |
| Infrastructure Showcase | Highlighted India’s Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project as a model of integrated regional connectivity |
| Regional Leadership | Positioned India as a leader in South and Southeast Asian maritime architecture |
| Sustainable Development | Supported India’s Blue Economy Policy Framework emphasizing balanced growth and ocean preservation |
About BIMSTEC
| Feature | Description |
| Full Form | Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation |
| Founded | 1997 (via Bangkok Declaration) as BIST-EC |
| Evolution | Renamed to BIMST-EC after Myanmar joined in 1997, and then to BIMSTEC in 2004 when Nepal & Bhutan joined |
| Secretariat | Located in Dhaka, Bangladesh (established in 2014) |
| Current Members | Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand |
| Core Areas | 14 priority sectors including transport, trade, tourism, energy, environment, counterterrorism, and public health |
Challenges to Regional Maritime Cooperation
- Infrastructure Disparity among member states hampers seamless port-to-port and corridor-level integration.
- Regulatory Divergences across countries in customs, safety, and maritime documentation.
- Delay in Ratification of the BIMSTEC AMTC by some member countries limits effective implementation.
- Geopolitical Pressures from China’s BRI investments in BIMSTEC countries undermine India’s regional influence.
- Resource Constraints in smaller nations prevent active participation in modernization and digital upgrade initiatives.
Key Facts
- Kaladan Project: Connects Kolkata Port – Sittwe Port (Myanmar) – Inland waterways to Paletwa – Road link to Mizoram.
- Harit Sagar Guidelines: A green port initiative launched by Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways to promote sustainable development.
- Visakhapatnam Port: One of India’s major ports located on the east coast of Andhra Pradesh.
- Blue Economy: Concept promoting sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, jobs, and marine ecosystem protection.