Context:

• The first biennial conference of the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) was held in Kochi from 4 to 6 November 2025.

Key Points:

• This showcases India's commitment to strengthening Blue Economy and marine research cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Host: India
• Venue: Kochi, Kerala
• Main Focus: Strengthening Blue Economy cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region
• Organising Initiative: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India
• Objective: To discuss the outcomes of BIMReN activities since its launch, exchange ideas, and focus on marine challenges, ecosystem health, and research innovations.

Key Highlights of the First Biennial Conference

BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN)

Launch:

• A key Indian initiative under BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
• Objective: To promote cooperation in marine sciences and the Blue Economy in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Announcement: By Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Colombo BIMSTEC Summit in 2022.
• Initiated by: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India in 2024.
• Core Goal: To strengthen collective research in marine sciences and expand sustainable Blue Economy cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

Working and Collaboration Areas:

• BIMReN functions as a mechanism to strengthen institutional collaboration in marine research among BIMSTEC member countries.
• Institutional Linkages: Connects major Indian research institutions with those of other BIMSTEC nations.
• Grants & Fellowships: Enables researcher cooperation through Twinning Research Grants and Split-Site PhD Fellowships.

Focus Areas:

• Marine ecosystem health
• Marine challenges and solutions
• Research innovation and scientific network building
• Promoting sustainable fisheries management in the region

Alignment with India’s Regional Policies:

• BIMReN is part of India’s broader foreign policy and maritime strategy. It aligns with:
• Neighbourhood First Policy
• Act East Policy
• Indo-Pacific Vision
• SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) Policy

BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical

and Economic Cooperation)

• Full Form: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
• Hindi Name: बहु-क्षेत्रीय तकनीकी और आर्थिक सहयोग हेतु बंगाल की खाड़ी पहल
• Establishment: 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration
• Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Region: South Asia and Southeast Asia
• Purpose: To promote rapid economic growth, social progress, and technical cooperation among countries dependent on the Bay of Bengal.
• Significance: Works as a bridge between SAARC and ASEAN, connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• It is the only regional grouping that connects India’s "Neighbourhood First" and "Act East" policies.

BIMSTEC Member Countries

South Asia (5 countries):

• India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka

Southeast Asia (2 countries):

• Myanmar, Thailand

Major Areas of Cooperation

• Trade and Investment
• Transport and Connectivity
• Energy
• Tourism
• Agriculture
• Poverty Alleviation
• Climate Change and Public Health

Current Chairmanship of BIMSTEC

• Chair: Bangladesh
• Term: 2025 to 2027 (for the next two years)
• Previous Chair: Thailand
• Chairmanship Transfer: During the 6th BIMSTEC Summit (Bangkok, Thailand)
• Bangladesh’s Focus: To make BIMSTEC more inclusive and action-oriented.