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 ?

GS 2

International Relations

2022

10 Marks

BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), established in 1997, connects South and Southeast Asian countries around the Bay of Bengal. While it appears similar to SAARC in promoting regional cooperation, BIMSTEC functions as a more India-centric and focused platform, complementing rather than duplicating SAARC.

SAARC Venn Diagram of Member Overlap

Similarities between BIMSTEC and SAARC

Regional Cooperation Objective: Both aim to promote economic, social, and technical cooperation among member countries for regional development.
South Asian Membership Overlap: Share common members like India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, highlighting regional connectivity goals.
Multi-sectoral Collaboration: Both organizations focus on sectors like trade, energy, agriculture, education, and disaster management.
Intergovernmental Structure: Decisions are made through summits, ministerial meetings, and secretariat coordination, reflecting a formal multilateral framework.
Promotion of Peace and Stability: Both seek to enhance regional stability and cooperation, providing a platform to address shared challenges.
Framework for Treaties and Agreements: Serve as a platform for bilateral and multilateral agreements in trade, connectivity, and social sectors.

Dissimilarities between BIMSTEC and SAARC

Feature	BIMSTEC	SAARC
Membership	7 countries (India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan)	8 South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan)
Focus Region	Bay of Bengal, connecting South and Southeast Asia	South Asia only
Political Tensions	Less affected by India–Pakistan conflicts	Regularly stalled due to India–Pakistan tensions
Decision-Making	More flexible, project-based cooperation	Consensus-based, often slow due to political issues
Connectivity Emphasis	Strong focus on infrastructure, trade corridors, maritime links	Limited in physical connectivity initiatives
Indian Influence	India plays a leading and central role	India has influence but often blocked by Pakistan

How BIMSTEC Realizes Indian Foreign Policy Objectives

Strengthening ‘Act East’ Policy: BIMSTEC links India with Southeast Asia through Myanmar and Thailand, supporting infrastructure and trade connectivity.
Counterbalancing China’s Influence: Provides an India-centric platform in the Bay of Bengal, as China’s Belt and Road Initiative gains ground in the region.
Regional Security & Maritime Cooperation: Enhances cooperation in disaster management, counter-terrorism, and naval exercises, aligning with SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Economic Diplomacy: Promotes trade integration via BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (BFTA) and energy cooperation projects (pipelines, power grids).
Connectivity and Infrastructure Leadership: India can spearhead port development, digital corridors, and transnational highways, boosting its soft power.
Alternative to SAARC Stalemates: BIMSTEC allows India to pursue regional initiatives without being stalled by Pakistan–India tensions, unlike SAARC.

While BIMSTEC shares structural similarities with SAARC, it is more flexible, strategically oriented, and India-centric. By focusing on connectivity, trade, and regional security, BIMSTEC advances India’s Act East, SAGAR, and regional leadership goals, making it a complementary rather than a parallel platform to SAARC.

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