The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has endorsed guiding principles for maritime law enforcement agencies during interactions at sea. This move aims to enhance predictability and promote safety during maritime engagements among member states. The principles were adopted at the fifth meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs, held recently in New Delhi.
Meeting Highlights
The meeting, hosted and chaired by India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, was attended by National Security Advisers or heads of delegations from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey provided an overview of the status of security cooperation within the regional grouping and briefed member states on progress made since the previous meeting in addressing traditional, non-traditional, and emerging security challenges.
Adoption of Guidelines
In addition to the guiding principles, the meeting adopted the BIMSTEC Guidelines for the Maritime Component of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). These guidelines are expected to help member states undertake relief operations across the region in an expeditious and coordinated manner.
Future Cooperation
The National Security Advisers and heads of delegations exchanged views on measures to combat terrorism and organised crime, ensure security in the cyber, maritime, and energy domains, enhance connectivity, facilitate effective disaster management, and tackle new and emerging security threats. As BIMSTEC marks its 30th anniversary year, the member states reiterated their resolve to further enhance collaboration to strengthen regional security, build resilience, and enhance institutional capacities to address diverse security threats.