BIMSTEC Summit 2018 - Kathmandu declaration

Why in news?

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit was recently held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

What are the major outcomes?

BIMSTEC comprises of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.
The fourth summit of the BIMSTEC was attended by leaders of the seven nations of the grouping.
The regional grouping’s Kathmandu declaration was released at the end of the summit.
Terrorism - The Declaration focussed on backing of terror by state and non-state actors, and transnational organised crimes.
It described terrorism as a “great threat” to international peace and security.
It advocated targeting terrorists, terror organisations and networks.
Besides, it called for identifying and holding accountable states and non-state entities that -

The declaration did not name any specific country.
But Pakistan is often accused by its neighbours, including India, of providing safe havens to terrorists.
Connectivity - The declaration underscored the importance of multidimensional connectivity.
This would be a key enabler to economic integration for shared prosperity.
Energy - An MoU was signed on establishment of the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection.
It provides for optimisation of using energy resources in the region.
It also facilitates promotion of efficient and secure operation of power system.

What was India's role?

The BIMSTEC Region is a meeting point for India’s Neighbourhood First, and Act East policies.
It offers opportunities for connectivity covering trade, economy, transport, digital and people-to-people.
Indian PM thus made a strong pitch for enhanced regional connectivity.
India also expressed its commitment to working with the members on combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

BIMSTEC member states are largely situated between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.
They hence face frequent natural disasters such as flood, cyclone and earthquake.
India thus called for “cooperation and coordination” in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
India will also host the International Buddhist Conclave in 2020.
The BIMSTEC leaders were invited to attend the event as guests of honour.
India expressed its commitment to enhance its national knowledge network.
This was in reference to the field of digital connectivity in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
India also plans to extend it to Myanmar and Thailand.
India would set up a Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at the Nalanda University.
This is to promote research on art, culture and other subjects in the Bay of Bengal.

Source: The Hindu