Q.Explain the Key features of the BIMSTEC Charter. Discuss how BIMSTEC is different from SAARC.

Analyse the potential of BIMSTEC in replacing SAARC as the primary platform for regional
cooperation in South Asia?

Ans. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
Charter, adopted in March 2022, and came into force recently on 20th May 2024, outlines the
framework for cooperation among its member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal,
Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

BIMSTEC: (you can use a hub and spoke diagram for this part)

1. Overview: BIMSTEC is a multilateral regional organisation established to accelerate shared

growth and cooperation between littoral and adjacent countries in the Bay of Bengal region.
2. Aim: It aims to counter the onslaught of globalisation by accelerating regional growth through
cooperation by utilising regional resources and geographical advantages.
3. Permanent Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Key features of the BIMSTEC Charter:

● Institutional Framework: Establishes a ‘permanent secretariat’ in Dhaka and a ‘BIMSTEC

Centre for Weather and Climate’ in India.
● Shared Goals: The Charter outlines BIMSTEC's ‘objectives’, which focus on building trust
and friendly relations among member states, and accelerating economic development and
social progress in the Bay of Bengal region.
● Principles of Cooperation: Emphasizes respect for sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity,
political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual benefit.
● Priority Sectors: Identifies 14 priority sectors including trade, technology, energy, transport,
tourism, fisheries, and agriculture.
● Decision-Making: Decisions are made by consensus, ensuring equal participation of all
member states.
● Legal Personality: Grants BIMSTEC a legal personality, enabling it to enter into agreements
with other international organizations.

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Differences between BIMSTEC and SAARC:

● Establishment: BIMSTEC was established by the ‘Bangkok Declaration’ in 1997, whereas

SAARC originated with the Adoption of a Charter by members in 1985 in Dhaka.
● Membership: BIMSTEC includes countries from South and Southeast Asia, while SAARC is
limited to South Asian countries.
● Focus Areas: BIMSTEC focuses on economic and technical cooperation across multiple
sectors, whereas SAARC has a broader mandate including political and security issues.
● Operational Efficiency: BIMSTEC has been more active in recent years, with regular summits
and meetings, while SAARC has been largely inactive due to political tensions, particularly
between India and Pakistan.
● Geopolitical Dynamics: BIMSTEC excludes Pakistan & Afghanistan, reducing geopolitical
friction and facilitating smoother cooperation.

Potential of BIMSTEC in replacing SAARC:

● Enhanced Cooperation: BIMSTEC's focus on economic and technical cooperation aligns

with the developmental needs of the region, fostering greater integration.
● Reduced Political Tensions: By excluding contentious members like Pakistan & Afghanistan,
BIMSTEC can operate more effectively without political deadlock.
● Strategic Location: The Bay of Bengal region is strategically significant for trade and energy
routes, enhancing the economic potential of BIMSTEC.
● Support from Major Powers: India’s active role in BIMSTEC, along with support from other
member states, provides a strong foundation for its success.

Challenges which the BIMSTEC might face:

● Lack of efficiency and slow progress: due to inconsistent policy-making, meetings and lack
of resources.
● Limited Intra trade and connectivity: Despite BIMSTEC's goal of economic cooperation,
regional trade remains low. Eg: The BBIN connectivity project is yet to be finalised.
● Border and Sovereignty issues: may hamper consensus on important decisions. Eg- the
Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, India-Nepal border issues etc.

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 ● Maritime trade and fisheries: According to the FAO, the Bay of Bengal is one of the Illegal,
Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing hotspots in the Asia-Pacific.

Way Forward for BIMSTEC:

● Strong Cooperation: Effective implementation of plans & agreements like the BIMSTEC
master plan for connectivity, BIMSTEC convention on mutual legal assistance in criminal
matters, BIMSTEC technology transfer facility etc to strengthen cooperation among members.
● Finance: Creation & regular contribution into Funds to strengthen the finance of BIMSTEC.
● Resolving Issues: BIMSTEC can play a part in aiding in the fast resolution of regional issues,
which will strengthen consensus.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while BIMSTEC and SAARC have different mandates and memberships, BIMSTEC's
structured approach, focus on economic cooperation, and reduced political friction position it as a
viable alternative for regional cooperation in South Asia. As SAARC has practically reached a
standstill, the success of BIMSTEC in replacing SAARC will depend on sustained commitment from
member states and the effective implementation of its charter.

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