“3 strands of India's Foreign Policy…”, Secy Gen Indra Mani highlights India’s agenda in BIMSTEC

Sep 28, 2024

New York (USA), September 28 (ANI): Secretary General of BIMSTEC (Bangladesh-India-Myanmar-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), Indra Mani Pandey said that Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs, S Jaishankar chaired the informal meeting of BIMSTEC members held alongside the UNGA assembly. He further said that BIMSTEC brings together three strands of India's Foreign Policy, which are, the Neighbourhood First Policy, the Look East Policy, and also the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) Policy. He said, “BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey said, “Today was the first meeting of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers. It was an informal meeting on the sidelines of UNGA. It was hosted by India and chaired by EAM Dr S Jaishankar. We had Foreign Ministers and all the high-level members from all the BIMSTEC nations. The members in their statements, spoke about their vision for BIMSTEC, their priorities and the areas that they would like regional cooperation in BIMSTEC to focus on. This led to an exchange of views among the Foreign Ministers and other representatives on how we can move forward with the agenda of BIMSTEC. BIMSTEC brings together three strands of India's Foreign Policy, which are, the Neighborhood First Policy, the Look East Policy, and also the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) Policy. Cooperation through BIMSTEC, which encompasses 15 sectors is very important. Bangladesh was represented by their Foreign Advisor who presented the country's vision for BIMSTEC, reiterating their continued support for the success of BIMSTEC. The date of the BIMSTEC meeting will be announced as soon as we have the informal understanding of the member states.”