BIMSTEC Summit 2025 Bangkok: Theme, Agenda, Meetings
Why in the news
Before the Bangkok leaders’ meeting, focus fell on its agenda and possible bilateral talks, chiefly India-Bangladesh.
Key facts
- Venue Bangkok, April 2025; first physical summit since 2018.
- Planned: a BIMSTEC declaration and a Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement, plus talks on security, trade and economy.
- Modi was likely to meet Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof. Mohammed Yunus; the MEA had not confirmed.
- In Thailand he was to meet PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and King Maha Vajiralongkorn, then travel to Sri Lanka on 4-6 April.
Background
- Held after a devastating Myanmar earthquake, adding urgency to disaster cooperation.
- India-Bangladesh ties uncertain since Sheikh Hasina’s removal in August 2024.
Exam angle
- Venue, theme and last in-person summit (Kathmandu, 2018).