Introduction and Overview of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat

 

  • The 2nd Retreat of the Foreign Ministers of BIMSTEC was held in New Delhi, focusing on major developments and escalating issues in Myanmar.
  • It was the first major event since the BIMSTEC Charter got enforced in 2024, marking a significant step of progression for the organisation.
  • The 1st retreat of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers took place in Bangkok, Thailand in 2023.

 

Key Highlights of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat

 

  • Emphasis was put on addressing regional challenges internally by the External Affairs Minister of India.
  • The urgency of tackling long-standing goals like capacity building and economic cooperation was accentuated due to the prevailing global and regional challenges.
  • The Myanmar crisis and its impact on regional stability and developmental projects formed the centre of discussions.
  • The instability in Myanmar has adversely impacted various developmental and connectivity projects linking Nepal, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand.

 

Grave Concern: Myanmar Crisis

 

  • Myanmar's military junta overthrow the elected democratic government in February 2021, prompting mass protests and a civil disobedience movement advocating for democracy restoration.
  • In reaction to the military junta's repressive tactics, opposition groups, including Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), established the People's Defence Forces (PDFs) to resist military rule.
  • Widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis resulted from intensified fighting between the military and EAOs since October 2023.
  • Around 2.6 million individuals have been displaced, with a remarkable 18.6 million people needing humanitarian assistance.

 

 Discussions on Humanitarian Assistance & India's Stand on the Myanmar Crisis

 

  • Possibilities for humanitarian aid were discussed, with India's current aid being confined to dislocated populations and military personnel taking refuge in Mizoram.
  • India maintains a cautious stance, particularly since EAOs have gained control over crucial trade routes and territories near international borders.
  • India engages with the military junta, remaining concerned about democracy's disruption while safeguarding its interests.
  • Forces against the military junta have seized strategic towns near the India-Myanmar border, hampering significant connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.

 

 Outlook on Transnational Crimes

 

  • India continues to cooperate on countering transnational crimes such as cybercrime, narcotics, and illegal arms dealings.

In conclusion, the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat conveyed the urgency of addressing regional challenges, with the Myanmar crisis being a key point of concern. Despite the complex and continuously evolving situation, cooperation and dialogue remain crucial tools for tackling regional issues within BIMSTEC.