At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok on April 4, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the payment systems of BIMSTEC nations. Highlighting the potential to significantly boost trade, business, and tourism, the Prime Minister said this move would enable smoother financial transactions across the region.
The summit brought together leaders from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to regional cooperation and outlined several forward-looking initiatives. These included the creation of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, hosting annual business summits, and exploring the use of local currencies in trade.
Offering condolences for the lives lost in the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, the Prime Minister proposed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India to enhance collaboration on preparedness and rehabilitation efforts.
He welcomed the institutionalisation of the Home Ministers Mechanism, offering to host its first meeting in India this year. Stressing its role in combating cyber threats, terrorism, and trafficking, PM Modi called for deeper security cooperation among member states.
As BIMSTEC adopted the Bangkok Vision 2030, PM Modi reaffirmed the grouping’s role as a vital bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, driving prosperity and connectivity. He also announced the signing of a Maritime Transport Agreement, aimed at improving merchant shipping and trade, alongside plans to set up a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India for regional collaboration in maritime policies and innovation.
Reiterating India’s readiness to share its digital infrastructure experience, PM Modi suggested a pilot study to assess the needs of BIMSTEC nations, positioning India as a technology and development partner in the Bay of Bengal region.
