New Delhi, India has consistently supported its regional partners as the primary responder during crises, and the BIMSTEC disaster management exercise has further enhanced collaboration in the Bay of Bengal area regarding disaster preparedness, response, and resilience, according to the MEA on Wednesday.

India conducted the 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise virtually on July 14-15.

This exercise, organized by the National Disaster Management Authority as a tabletop event, involved disaster management professionals from BIMSTEC Member States to evaluate and improve regional readiness for cyclones and floods.

“Participants shared insights on national disaster management frameworks, engaged in simulated scenarios, assessed response strategies, and exchanged best practices to bolster coordination for disaster response throughout the region,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

“India has consistently supported its regional partners as the primary responder during crises. This exercise has further enhanced collaboration in the Bay of Bengal area regarding disaster preparedness, response, and resilience,” it added.

Additionally, India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam on July 14-15.

The conclave’s theme was ‘Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation and Sustainable Partnerships’.

Inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the event included delegations from BIMSTEC member States, featuring officials, maritime experts, port authorities, private sector leaders, and regional development partners.

“The Conclave addressed various topics such as streamlining customs processes and improving logistical connections to enhance intra-regional trade, port-linked industrial zones, cruise tourism, digital integration, upskilling the maritime workforce, industry-academia collaborations, and green shipping,” the MEA stated in another announcement on Wednesday.

This initiative from India, aligned with its Neighbourhood First policy, aims to “enhance maritime collaboration in the Bay of Bengal region,” as stated.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is a regional body that was formed in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.

Originally referred to as BIST-EC, the organization is currently known as BIMSTEC and consists of seven Member States, with Myanmar joining in 1997, followed by Bhutan and Nepal in 2004.

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