BIMSTEC experts conclude fourth meeting on maritime security cooperation in New Delhi

New Delhi, November 26: The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) hosted the fourth meeting of the BIMSTEC Experts Group on Maritime Security Cooperation on November 24–25, bringing together representatives from all BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) member states, including senior officials, policymakers and law-enforcement agencies. The discussions were chaired by Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd.), National Maritime Security Coordinator.

The meeting marked another round of result-oriented engagement on the five identified focus areas of maritime security. Delegates worked toward finalising guidelines on key maritime security issues, including aspects of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Participants shared their perspectives and contributed professional recommendations to refine the guiding documents, reflecting a strengthened understanding of the need for collaborative approaches in addressing maritime challenges in the Bay of Bengal.

Member states also examined the Action Plan aimed at improving coordination among law enforcement agencies, exploring the feasibility of conducting joint maritime exercises, enhancing information-sharing frameworks, and developing collective response mechanisms against emerging maritime threats. Discussions further covered capacity enhancement and capability building through cooperative initiatives.

The successful completion of the fourth Experts Group Meeting reaffirmed the maritime domain as a core unifying factor for the BIMSTEC region and marked a significant step forward in the group’s collective efforts to strengthen maritime security cooperation in the Bay of Bengal.