Aims to build a “prosperous, resilient, and open” Bimstec aligned with the UN SDGs and Thailand’s green economy model
India launched initiatives for disaster response, skill building, and digital infrastructure to deepen regional ties
Strained ties — India-Bangladesh, Bangladesh-Myanmar — and Myanmar’s civil war hamper bloc unity
Only six summits in 28 years; the Dhaka secretariat remains underfunded and underpowered
14 priority areas stretch resources thin. Free trade and connectivity goals remain stalled
As the largest economy, India must lead integration efforts to counter Chinese influence and strengthen intra-bloc ties