Bimstec states could connect with Indo-Pacific region: PM Narendra Modi
NEW DELHI: Pitching for wider connectivity within Bimstec, PM Modi on Thursday said the seven member countries could link themselves with the wider Indo-Pacific region. He also announced that India will host an anti-terror conference of Bimstec states.
“Each of our countries seek peace, prosperity and happiness, but in today’s inter-connected world, we cannot achieve this alone,” Modi told the inaugural session of the 4th Bimstec summit in Kathmandu. “I believe that the biggest opportunity for this is connectivity — trade, economic, transport, digital and people-to-people.”
Modi sought cooperation in anti-terror operations, transnational crimes, drug trafficking as well as during natural disasters in the region. “India is ready to host conferences on all these issues.”
The PM called for taking the process of coastal shipping and motor vehicle agreements forward. Proposed agreements on these are expected to witness forward movement on Friday.
“Our countries are mostly agriculture-centric and are fighting the fears of climate change. India will host a conference on agricultural, research and development.”
He called upon the member states to participate in the India Mobile Congress to be held in October, coinciding with a Bimstec ministerial conclave.
Inviting all states to the Buddhist Conclave to be held in India in August 2020, he said India would like to organise a Bimstec youth summit and a band festival.
He said India will also offer 30 scholarships in Nalanda varsity and 12 for advanced medicine in the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research in Puducherry for Bimstec students. For security ties, Modi welcomed the Bimstec military exercise and army chiefs’ conclave to be held next month.
