Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?

Introduction

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), established in 1997, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), formed in 1985, are two regional groupings aimed at fostering cooperation among member nations. While SAARC has faced challenges due to geopolitical tensions, BIMSTEC has emerged as a platform for regional collaboration, particularly in the Bay of Bengal region. This raises the question of whether BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation or a complementary alternative to SAARC.

Value Addition Block — Key Features of BIMSTEC and SAARC

Similarities Between BIMSTEC and SAARC

• Regional Cooperation: Both aim to promote economic, social, and technical cooperation among member states.
• Shared Membership: Five countries—India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—are members of both organisations.
• Focus on Development: Both organisations emphasize poverty alleviation, trade promotion, and regional connectivity.
• Institutional Framework: Both have a secretariat and conduct summits to guide their agendas.

Dissimilarities Between BIMSTEC and SAARC

1. Geographical Scope

• BIMSTEC: Includes Southeast Asian nations like Thailand and Myanmar, bridging South and Southeast Asia.
• SAARC: Limited to South Asia, with a narrower geographical focus.

2. Focus Areas

• BIMSTEC: Broader focus on security cooperation (e.g., counter-terrorism, disaster management) alongside economic development.
• SAARC: Primarily focused on economic and cultural cooperation, with limited success in security collaboration.

3. Effectiveness

• BIMSTEC: Seen as a more functional and pragmatic platform, avoiding bilateral conflicts.
• SAARC: Stagnated due to India-Pakistan tensions, with summits often delayed or cancelled.

4. Institutional Structure

• BIMSTEC: Operates through sectoral working groups led by member states.
• SAARC: Relies on a consensus-based decision-making model, often leading to deadlocks.

How BIMSTEC Realizes Indian Foreign Policy Objectives

1. Regional Connectivity

• BIMSTEC aligns with India’s Act East Policy, enhancing connectivity with Southeast Asia through projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.

2. Countering SAARC’s Limitations

• By excluding Pakistan, BIMSTEC provides India a platform to bypass geopolitical roadblocks and focus on regional cooperation.

3. Maritime Security

• BIMSTEC strengthens India’s role in the Indo-Pacific strategy, addressing issues like blue economy, disaster management, and anti-piracy operations.

4. Economic Integration

• Facilitates trade and investment in the Bay of Bengal region, complementing India’s efforts to integrate with global value chains.

5. Energy Cooperation

• Promotes energy security through initiatives like the BIMSTEC Energy Grid Interconnection, leveraging the hydroelectric potential of Bhutan and Nepal.

Way Forward

• Institutional Strengthening: BIMSTEC must develop a robust institutional framework to ensure effective implementation of its agenda.
• Enhanced Cooperation: India should leverage BIMSTEC to promote regional connectivity, trade, and security collaboration.
• Balancing SAARC and BIMSTEC: India should continue engaging with SAARC while prioritizing BIMSTEC for pragmatic regional cooperation.

Conclusion

While BIMSTEC and SAARC share common goals of regional cooperation, BIMSTEC has emerged as a more pragmatic and functional platform, aligning closely with India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy. By fostering connectivity, security, and economic integration, BIMSTEC complements India’s foreign policy objectives, offering a viable alternative to the challenges faced by SAARC.