Sri Lanka uniquely placed to benefit from growing maritime cooperation under BIMSTEC- General Secretary Indra Mani Pandey

Closer trade facilitation and customs harmonisation will help 
Sri Lanka position itself as a regional logistics and value-addition hub

 General Secretary of BIMSTEC Indra Mani Pandey

Sri Lanka, with its strategic location at the heart of Indian Ocean shipping lanes, is uniquely placed to benefit from increasing maritime cooperation under BIMSTEC, strengthening its role as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia while boosting regional prosperity

The Framework Agreement on the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement was signed in 2004, and member States are committed to concluding negotiations on its constituent agreements at the earliest, balancing diverse interests to ensure a meaningful framework for regional trade and investment

Energy demand is rising across the region, and cooperation in renewable energy, cross-border grid interconnections, and energy efficiency is indispensable. Sri Lanka’s commitment to green energy positions it as a key partner for advancing regional energy cooperation and resilience

BIMSTEC has prioritised regional cooperation in the Blue Economy, focusing on sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity, and coastal tourism. Sri Lanka’s expertise in fisheries and marine research allows it to contribute significantly to the development of the Bay of Bengal’s maritime economy

General Secretary of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Indra Mani Pandey, in an interview with Daily Mirror, shares his views on the importance of the organisation and 
Sri Lanka’s significance in it.   
Excerpts:  

QSri Lanka is strategically located along key Indian Ocean shipping lanes. How does BIMSTEC plan to enhance maritime connectivity and port linkages in the Bay of Bengal region, and what specific opportunities can Sri Lanka leverage?

Sri Lanka, a founding member of BIMSTEC, is a maritime nation and the importance of maritime connectivity for Sri Lanka cannot be overstressed. Maritime connectivity has always been central to BIMSTEC’s agenda. With most global and regional trade exchanges relying on maritime routes, strengthening shipping linkages and port cooperation has always been a high priority for BIMSTEC.  

At the 6th Summit, held in April this year in Bangkok, our member States signed the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement, which provides a framework to harmonise standards, improve port efficiency and facilitate smoother trade across the region.   

The 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave, which was held in July 2025 in Visakhapatnam, brought together regional policymakers, port authorities and private sector stakeholders who explored opportunities for collaboration amongst the ports of the member States.  

Sri Lanka, with its strategic location at the heart of Indian Ocean shipping lanes, is uniquely placed to benefit from increasing maritime cooperation under BIMSTEC. Sri Lanka is seen as a natural trans-shipment and logistics hub and it will benefit from port networking, customs harmonisation and maritime trade facilitation. By engaging actively, Sri Lanka can strengthen its role as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, while contributing to the collective prosperity of the region.  

QThe BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement has been under discussion for years. What is the current status of the negotiations, and how soon can member states, particularly Sri Lanka, expect a meaningful framework to boost regional trade and investment?

The Framework Agreement on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in 2004. Negotiations for conclusion of the constituent Agreements of the FTA have been making progress and the member States are committed to conclude these negotiations at the earliest. It is understood that these negotiations take time as the member states need to reach consensus on various elements which requires balancing their interests and priorities.  

Meanwhile, a proposal for setting up a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is also under consideration of the member States. It is envisioned as a platform for business collaboration, investment promotion and regional business networking, ensuring that the private sector plays its due role in advancing BIMSTEC’s economic cooperation agenda. There are also proposals for advancing cooperation in promoting intra-BIMSTEC investments. All these initiatives will bring immense benefits for Sri Lanka.  

QWith growing regional energy needs and Sri Lanka’s push toward renewable energy, what concrete steps is BIMSTEC taking to promote cross-border energy trade, such as grid interconnections and clean energy projects?

Energy demand is rising across our region, fuelled by population growth, rapid urbanisation and industrial expansion. Further, our member States are engaged in efforts to realise the goal of transition to green energy. Therefore, cooperation in the energy sector has become indispensable. To advance the agenda of energy cooperation, the BIMSTEC Energy Centre located in India is taking initiatives for promoting cooperation in renewable energy, cross-border grid interconnections, and energy efficiency. Member States are also actively exploring frameworks for cross-border electricity trade and clean energy partnerships, which will help diversify energy sources and strengthen regional resilience.  

Sri Lanka’s commitment to renewable energy makes it an important partner in regional cooperation in the energy sector as it would benefit from grid connectivity, access to green energy, access to green technologies, regional investment in clean energy solutions and energy efficiency measures.  

QThe Bay of Bengal’s marine resources are critical to all member states. How does BIMSTEC plan to strengthen cooperation on sustainable fisheries, ocean resource management, and marine biodiversity conservation that will directly benefit island nations like Sri Lanka?

Bay of Bengal is home to vast marine resources that are vital to the livelihoods of our people. BIMSTEC has, therefore, prioritised regional cooperation in the Blue Economy, focusing on sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation, marine biotechnology and coastal tourism. Building on the 6th Summit Declaration, member States have planned to convene an inaugural Meeting of the Expert Group on Blue Economy, with the aim of developing a comprehensive Action Plan, will provide a structured roadmap for future cooperation in this vital sector.  

For Sri Lanka, cooperation in the maritime domain assumes particular importance as it is an island nation with its reliance on maritime resources. The country’s strong fisheries sector and expertise in marine research put it in an excellent position to benefit from regional cooperation. By sharing its best practices in sustainable fishing, scientific innovation and ocean-based livelihoods, Sri Lanka can contribute significantly to the development of the blue economy in the Bay of Bengal region.  

QSri Lanka and other member states face frequent climate-related disasters. What collaborative mechanisms is BIMSTEC developing to improve early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation across the region?

The Bay of Bengal is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of the world and that is why BIMSTEC has placed strong emphasis on regional disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. To strengthen climate resilience, BIMSTEC has established BIMSTEC Weather and Climate Centre in India, which enhances regional capacity in forecasting, early warning and capacity building. In parallel, our member States have been engaged in regular disaster management exercises, which build interoperability and ensure that the region can work effectively in times of crisis. A BIMSTEC Action Plan on Disaster Management is being finalised, which will aim at improving joint response mechanisms and sharing knowledge across the region. There is also a proposal to set up a Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India.  

Environment and Climate Change has been a priority sector of cooperation under BIMSTEC and it is led by Bhutan. The BIMSTEC Plan of Action on Environment and Climate Change has been adopted and is under implementation. In parallel, our formal application for Observer Status at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reflects our determination to present the perspectives and vulnerabilities of Bay of Bengal region in global climate negotiations.  

QRegional security threats, including maritime piracy and terrorism, remain a concern. How does BIMSTEC intend to enhance intelligence sharing and security cooperation, and what role can Sri Lanka play as a hub for maritime security?

Security threats such as terrorism, organised crime and drugs and human trafficking transcend borders and require collective responses. Under BIMSTEC, we have steadily built a strong legal and institutional framework to address these challenges in a collective manner.  

The BIMSTEC Convention on Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking has been in force since 2021, giving us a binding instrument to cooperate against some of the most serious regional security threats.   

In March 2022 at Colombo Summit, the Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed, which strengthened judicial cooperation among member States. Recently, we finalised the BIMSTEC Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, adding another dimension to security cooperation.  

Recognising new and emerging threats, BIMSTEC has adopted a Five-Year Action Plan for Cybersecurity Cooperation, ensuring that our region is able to address vulnerabilities in the digital domain. In April 2025, we signed MoU with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to enhance collaboration in dealing with the regional challenges of drug trafficking and organised crime. BIMSTEC has recently been granted Observer status at the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), which has reinforced our ability to act in concert with our regional and international partners.  

Significant progress has also been made in strengthening maritime security cooperation among the member States. The Expert Group on Maritime Security Cooperation, established in 2022, continues to advance collaboration in areas such as Maritime Domain Awareness, Search and Rescue operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.   

The Second Meeting of the Expert Group, held in New Delhi in October 2023, discussed and updated the draft BIMSTEC Guidelines for the Maritime Component of HA/DR and the draft Guiding Principles for Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies (MLEAs).  

These initiatives, endorsed at the Fourth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs’ Meeting, held in Myanmar in July 2024, underscore our shared commitment to ensuring that the Bay of Bengal remains a secure, stable, and peaceful maritime space that supports trade, connectivity, and sustainable development across the region.  

QPhysical and digital infrastructure gaps remain a barrier to closer regional integration. What priority projects does BIMSTEC envisage in terms of road, rail, and digital connectivity?  

The BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity (2018-2028), adopted in March 2022, provides a comprehensive ten-year roadmap covering road, rail, ports, aviation, and multi-modal corridors. Our member States are regularly reviewing its implementation through the BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Working Group, with technical support from Asian Development Bank (ADB).  

An updated Plan of Action for Connectivity is under development to translate the Master Plan into specific and time-bound projects. The Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), signed at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in April 2025, is being operationalised through Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and creation of a Joint Shipping Committee to harmonise port regulations and procedures. Complementing this, a BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre is being set up and work is progressing on the proposal for conclusion of White Shipping Agreement.   

The Second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave, held in Visakhapatnam, India, in July 2025, further underscored priorities in maritime connectivity, sustainability and trade facilitation.  

As regard to land connectivity, the BIMSTEC Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) is in its final drafting stage, aimed at enabling smoother cross-border movement of passenger and cargo vehicles and tightening the linkages between road corridors and border points.  

Regional cooperation in connectivity also extends to energy. The Master Plan on Grid Interconnection, with support from the ADB, is nearing finalisation, the MoU on Grid Interconnection has been concurred by all member States, and the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in India became operational earlier this year, providing an institutional platform for renewables, grid links, and energy efficiency.  

Recognising that digital connectivity is now integral to physical connectivity, BIMSTEC is also advancing cooperation in digital trade facilitation, e-commerce, cross-border paperless trade, and regional e-payment systems. These initiatives are designed to bridge the digital divide and foster a more integrated digital economy in the Bay of Bengal region, which is also a priority for Sri Lanka. It may be noted that Sri Lanka leads cooperation in the Science, Technology and Innovation sector.  

QIn a time of increasing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, how can BIMSTEC maintain its relevance and neutrality, and how can Sri Lanka contribute to ensuring the grouping’s collective voice is heard in global forums?

BIMSTEC remains a consensus-driven non-political platform for regional cooperation, committed to enhancing regional cooperation in areas agreed upon by its member States.  

This spirit is clearly reflected in the Bangkok Vision 2030, which charts our path toward a Prosperous, Resilient and Open Bay of Bengal region. We have our own charter, a vast agenda and various core and sectoral mechanisms to take forward cooperation.  

The relevance of BIMSTEC lies in its ability to engage in tangible cooperation towards realising cooperative security and sustainable development goals in the Bay of Bengal region. At a time when global dynamics are shifting, BIMSTEC ensures that our member States remain engaged in collective endeavours.  

In this shared journey, every member State plays a leadership role. Sri Lanka, for example, is leading cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation, Health, and Human resource development. These are key sectors that directly impact on sustainable development of the member States. By leading in these areas, Sri Lanka contributes to shaping a future-oriented regional cooperation agenda under BIMSTEC.