PM Modi’s Strategic Visits to BIMSTEC Summit and Sri Lanka

Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in two crucial diplomatic engagements in April 2025:
  • 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4.
  • Official visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6.
• These visits align with India’s Act East, MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), and Neighbourhood First

India at the BIMSTEC Summit:

• Significance of BIMSTEC for India
  • BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) aims to enhance regional cooperation in South and Southeast Asia.
  • Inclusion of Thailand and Myanmar is strategically vital for India's Northeast development and connectivity.
  • India is the largest financial contributor to the BIMSTEC Secretariat and hosts:
    • BIMSTEC Centre for Climate (Noida)
    • BIMSTEC Centre for Energy (Bengaluru)
    • Proposed Centres for Agriculture, Disaster Management, and Maritime Transport
• Key agendas of the Summit:
  • Adoption of the Vision 2030 document: Prepared by Thailand to build a Prosperous, Resilient, and Open (PRO) BIMSTEC by 2030.
  • Approval of Eminent Persons Group (EPG) report: Reforms to revitalize and repurpose BIMSTEC.
  • Signing of maritime transport cooperation agreement: Expected to strengthen regional connectivity and trade.
  • Progress on BIMSTEC free trade agreement (FTA): Framework already signed, but negotiations need acceleration. India is likely to take a leadership role in pushing forward trade discussions.
• Bilateral engagements on the sidelines:
  • For example, PM Modi held talks with PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with both endeavouring to bring together India’s “Act East” and Thailand’s “Look West” policies.
  • PM Modi’s possible interaction with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is of particular interest.

PM Modi’s Visit to Sri Lanka:

• Political and strategic importance:
  • First visit after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) took office.
  • Follows up on AKD’s state visit to India in December 2024.
  • Sri Lanka is central to India’s maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean.
• Key agendas of the visit:
  • Energy cooperation:
    • Signing of Sampur Solar Power Project agreement in Trincomalee.
    • 120 MW joint venture between India’s NTPC and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board.
    • Focus on electricity grid connectivity and a multi-product petroleum pipeline.
  • Tamil Nadu fishermen issue:
    • Long-standing concern over Indian fishermen straying into Sri Lankan waters.
    • India to seek assurances for humane treatment and explore deep-sea fishing alternatives.
  • Trincomalee oil tank farm talks: Plans for a joint venture to refine crude oil and store it for global trade.
  • Security cooperation:
    • India and Sri Lanka aim for regional security alignment.
    • AKD’s commitment that Sri Lanka will not allow its territory to be used against India’s security interests.

Conclusion:

• PM Modi’s visits to BIMSTEC and Sri Lanka underscore India’s commitment to regional cooperation, economic connectivity, and security engagement.
• Strengthening BIMSTEC frameworks, deepening economic ties, and addressing strategic concerns with Sri Lanka will be pivotal outcomes of these diplomatic engagements.

Q1. Discuss the strategic significance of BIMSTEC for India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.

Ans. BIMSTEC serves as a vital platform for India to enhance regional connectivity, economic integration, and strategic influence in South and Southeast Asia.

Q2. What are the key objectives of the BIMSTEC Vision 2030 document?

Ans. The BIMSTEC Vision 2030 document aims to establish a Prosperous, Resilient, and Open (PRO) BIMSTEC by promoting peace, stability, and sustainable economic growth in the region.

Q3. Why is the Sampur Solar Power Project significant in India-Sri Lanka relations?

Ans. The Sampur Solar Power Project symbolizes India’s support for Sri Lanka’s green energy transition and strengthens bilateral energy cooperation.

Q4. How does India’s proposal to host additional BIMSTEC centres reflect its commitment to the organisation?

Ans. India’s offer to host new centres on agriculture, disaster management, and maritime transport highlights its proactive leadership in institutional strengthening of BIMSTEC.

Q5. Explain the importance of Sri Lanka in India’s maritime strategy.

Ans. Sri Lanka’s geostrategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a critical partner for India’s maritime security and regional influence on its southern flank. 

Source:IE