HPAS 2024 GS2 Question 6

HPAS Mains GS-2 Question 6

HPAS 2024 Mains GS-2 Question 6

Discuss India’s role in BIMSTEC towards the development of Cooperation in the region.

Solution:

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has emerged as a primary platform for India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies. Following the stalemate in SAARC, India has repositioned BIMSTEC as the bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

1. India’s Leadership in Key Sectors

Under the revitalized BIMSTEC structure, India leads the Security Sector, which includes counter-terrorism, disaster management, and transnational crime:

  • Counter-Terrorism: India hosted the first **BIMSTEC Military Exercise (MILEX-18)** to improve interoperability among armed forces in urban warfare and counter-insurgency.
  • Disaster Management: As a regional leader, India regularly hosts the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise (PANEX), sharing expertise in responding to cyclones and floods in the Bay of Bengal.
  • Maritime Security: India promotes the vision of **SAGAR** (Security and Growth for All in the Region), ensuring freedom of navigation and combating piracy.

2. Connectivity and Economic Integration

India is the driving force behind physical and digital connectivity in the region:

  • Infrastructure Projects: The **Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project** and the **India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway** are critical for connecting India’s Northeast to the Bay of Bengal.
  • Coastal Shipping: India is pushing for the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement to facilitate cheaper and faster movement of cargo between ports like Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, and Chittagong.
  • Master Plan for Connectivity: India contributed significantly to the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, aimed at integrating rail, road, and air networks.

3. Strategic Significance

“BIMSTEC is not just a group of seven countries; it is an engine for the shared prosperity of the Bay of Bengal region.”

  • Countering China: By strengthening BIMSTEC, India offers an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through sustainable and transparent infrastructure development.
  • Northeast Development: BIMSTEC provides a gateway for India’s landlocked North Eastern States to access the sea, boosting local trade and employment.

Concise Model Answer (150-Word Limit)

India plays a lead role in BIMSTEC, transforming it into a vibrant vehicle for regional cooperation. Following the functional paralysis of SAARC, India has prioritized BIMSTEC to bridge South Asia and ASEAN through its “Act East” policy.

India’s Key Contributions:

  1. Security Leadership: India leads the **Counter-Terrorism** and **Disaster Management** sub-sectors, hosting joint exercises like MILEX and PANEX.
  2. Connectivity: Driving landmark projects like the **Kaladan Multi-Modal Project** and the **IMT Trilateral Highway** to integrate regional supply chains.
  3. Blue Economy: Promoting sustainable use of marine resources and maritime security under the SAGAR initiative.
  4. Institutional Support: India provides the largest share of the BIMSTEC Secretariat’s budget and hosted the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit to elevate the group’s global profile.

By fostering trans-boundary connectivity and security cooperation, India ensures that BIMSTEC remains a zone of peace and shared prosperity.

For a 15-marker answer, ideal structure:

  1. Introduction
  2. India’s Role
  3. Evolution
  4. Significance / Strategic Importance
  5. Challenges
  6. Way Forward
  7. Conclusion

Here is a structured answer with proper headings for your question:

India’s Role in BIMSTEC for Regional Cooperation

1. Introduction

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia. It includes India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. India plays a central and driving role in strengthening cooperation in this region.

2. India’s Role in BIMSTEC

a. Regional Leadership

  • India is the largest economy and geographically central country in BIMSTEC.
  • It acts as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

b. Connectivity Development

  • Promotes projects like:
    • Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
    • India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway
  • Enhances trade, mobility, and regional integration.

c. Security Cooperation

  • Focus on:
    • Counter-terrorism
    • Cyber security
    • Maritime security in Bay of Bengal
  • Leads BIMSTEC security dialogue and joint exercises.

d. Economic Integration

  • Pushes for:
    • BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
    • Trade facilitation and digital connectivity
  • Encourages regional value chains.

e. Disaster Management & Climate Action

  • India hosts:
    • BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre
  • Supports cooperation in climate resilience and disaster response.

f. Cultural & People-to-People Ties

  • Promotes:
    • Buddhist heritage links
    • Tourism and educational exchanges

3. Evolution of India’s Role in BIMSTEC

Phase 1: Initial Engagement (1997–2010)

  • BIMSTEC formed in 1997.
  • India’s role was limited and cautious, focusing mainly on economic cooperation.

Phase 2: Renewed Focus (2010–2016)

  • Increased engagement due to:
    • Stagnation in SAARC
    • Need for alternative regional platforms
  • BIMSTEC gained importance in India’s “Look East Policy.”

Phase 3: Strategic Priority (2016–Present)

  • After SAARC slowdown, BIMSTEC became key to India’s:
    • “Act East Policy”
    • Neighbourhood First Policy
  • India actively:
    • Hosted BIMSTEC summits
    • Led institutional reforms
    • Strengthened security and connectivity agenda

4. Challenges in India’s Role

a. Institutional Weakness

  • BIMSTEC lacks:
    • Strong secretariat
    • Effective implementation mechanisms

b. Slow Project Implementation

  • Delays in connectivity projects reduce credibility.

c. Regional Instability

  • Political instability in Myanmar affects cooperation.

d. China’s Growing Influence

  • Competing initiatives like Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) challenge India’s leadership.

e. Limited Trade Integration

  • Intra-BIMSTEC trade remains low despite potential.

f. Resource Constraints

  • India faces limitations in funding and execution capacity.

5. Solutions / Way Forward

a. Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms

  • Empower BIMSTEC Secretariat with:
    • More funding
    • Decision-making authority

b. Fast-Tracking Connectivity Projects

  • Ensure timely completion of:
    • Transport corridors
    • Digital infrastructure

c. Enhancing Economic Cooperation

  • Finalize BIMSTEC FTA.
  • Promote:
    • Blue economy
    • Energy grid integration

d. Strategic Balancing

  • Counter external influence through:
    • Strong partnerships
    • Regional trust-building

e. Capacity Building

  • Provide technical and financial assistance to smaller members.

f. People-Centric Approach

  • Promote tourism, education, and cultural exchanges.

6. Conclusion

India’s role in BIMSTEC is crucial for regional cooperation, connectivity, and stability in the Bay of Bengal region. While challenges persist, a proactive, inclusive, and strategic approach can transform BIMSTEC into a powerful regional organization, with India as its key driver.

If you want, I can convert this into a UPSC Mains model answer (250 words / 10-marker / 15-marker format) or add diagrams for better presentation.

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