BIMSTEC Rises as SAARC Stagnates: India’s Strategic Shift in Regional Diplomacy

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In a significant realignment of regional diplomacy, India is increasingly prioritizing BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) over the traditional SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), marking a shift shaped by geopolitics, regional aspirations, and the need for effective multilateral engagement.

Why SAARC is Losing Relevance

Formed in 1985, SAARC was envisioned as a platform for fostering cooperation among South Asian countries. However, over the past decade, its effectiveness has been undermined by persistent political tensions—especially between India and Pakistan. The last SAARC summit was held in 2014 in Kathmandu, and subsequent attempts to revive the grouping have stalled due to diplomatic deadlock.

India, the largest economy and most influential member in the group, has repeatedly expressed frustration over SAARC’s inability to move forward on regional cooperation agendas. The consensus-based decision-making model, coupled with bilateral hostilities, has rendered the organization largely inactive.

BIMSTEC: The Emerging Alternative

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia. Unlike SAARC, BIMSTEC excludes Pakistan, which has resulted in smoother dialogue and less political friction.

BIMSTEC has been gaining traction, especially after the 4th Summit held in 2022 in Colombo, where the member states adopted the BIMSTEC Charter, giving the organization a formal structure and legal identity. Key areas of cooperation include:

Trade and investment
Security and counter-terrorism
Energy and connectivity
Climate and disaster management
People-to-people contact and tourism

India has also pledged significant financial and institutional support for BIMSTEC, highlighting its strategic importance under the Act East Policy and the Neighbourhood First Policy.

🇮🇳 India’s Diplomatic Shift

Analysts suggest that India’s pivot towards BIMSTEC is not just about bypassing SAARC, but also about expanding influence into the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia. BIMSTEC offers a platform where India can collaborate with like-minded nations on maritime security, trade, and regional development without being held hostage by bilateral disputes.

According to foreign policy expert Dr. Rakesh Sinha, “BIMSTEC represents the future of regional cooperation. It aligns with India’s geostrategic interests and supports a more dynamic, functional multilateralism.”