New Delhi, October 2026 : India hosted the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with representatives of all seven member countries approving five major initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security and cooperation. The initiatives focus on combating human trafficking, curbing illegal drug trade, tackling money laundering and terrorist financing, preventing illicit financial transactions, and improving coordination during natural disasters.
The meeting also adopted the ‘Delhi Declaration’, reaffirming the member countries’ commitment to peace, security and closer cooperation across the Bay of Bengal region.
Addressing the meeting, Amit Shah stressed that regional cooperation was essential to tackling challenges such as terrorism and organised crime. He reiterated India’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and called on member nations to work collectively to prevent terrorist networks from accessing safe havens, training facilities, recruitment channels and financial support.
Shah emphasised that security in one member country contributes to the security of the entire region, urging all seven nations to strengthen information-sharing and coordination among their law enforcement agencies.
BIMSTEC Convention on Human Trafficking
One of the key outcomes was the approval of the BIMSTEC Convention on Human Trafficking, intended to strengthen cooperation among member countries in preventing trafficking, prosecuting offenders and protecting victims.
The initiative places emphasis on the rehabilitation and protection of trafficking survivors. It also seeks to improve information-sharing mechanisms and legal assistance between participating countries, enabling authorities to respond more effectively to trafficking networks that operate across national borders.
Closer coordination is expected to support investigations, facilitate legal action against perpetrators and improve assistance for victims.
Joint Action Plan to Curb Drug Trafficking
The member countries also approved the BIMSTEC Drug Control Action Plan to address the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemicals used in the manufacture of illicit drugs.
The plan seeks to improve regional coordination against drug networks and strengthen cooperation among agencies responsible for enforcing drug-control laws.
Shah said the illegal drug trade was not merely a law-and-order concern but also a serious challenge affecting young people and the future of society. He called for a collective regional approach to prevent trafficking and tackle the networks involved in the illicit drug trade.
The initiative aims to encourage information-sharing and coordinated action against cross-border smuggling routes and related criminal activities.
Cooperation Against Money Laundering and Terror Financing
BIMSTEC members approved a memorandum of understanding on capacity-building to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities.
Under the proposed cooperation framework, member countries will work together on financial crime investigations, specialist training and the exchange of investigative information. The initiative also focuses on financial intelligence, identifying illegally acquired assets and measures for their recovery.
The agreement aims to strengthen the capacity of participating countries to investigate and disrupt the financial networks that support terrorist organisations and transnational criminal groups.
Greater cooperation between relevant agencies is expected to help authorities trace suspicious transactions, identify sources of illicit funds and take action against financial channels used to facilitate criminal activities.
Action Plan to Prevent Illicit Financial Transactions
A separate action plan to prevent illegal financial transactions was also approved at the meeting.
The plan focuses on identifying the sources, risks and methods associated with illicit flows of money. Such transactions can facilitate organised crime and terrorism by enabling criminal groups to move funds across borders and conceal their origins.
The initiative underscores the importance of cooperation between national investigative agencies and financial institutions. Sharing relevant information and strengthening investigative capabilities are expected to help member countries identify suspicious financial activity and respond more effectively to cross-border financial crime.
The effort complements the broader regional agenda to disrupt the economic networks that sustain terrorism and organised criminal operations.
Strengthening Disaster Preparedness Across the Bay of Bengal
The fifth initiative focuses on improving preparedness and cooperation in responding to natural disasters across the Bay of Bengal region.
Under the action plan, member countries will strengthen collaboration in disaster-risk assessment, joint exercises, early-warning systems, disaster mapping and training. Cooperation will also extend to research, technological innovation and measures to reduce tsunami risks.
The region is vulnerable to cyclones, floods and other natural disasters, making timely information-sharing and coordinated emergency responses important for reducing their impact.
The initiative seeks to improve the ability of participating countries to prepare for disasters, exchange relevant information and coordinate their response when emergencies affect the region.
Delhi Declaration Reaffirms Regional Security Commitment
The Delhi Declaration adopted at the meeting outlines a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation against cross-border terrorism, radicalisation, human trafficking, cybercrime, drug trafficking and organised crime.
The declaration identifies information-sharing, mutual legal assistance, extradition of offenders and capacity-building for security agencies as important areas for cooperation.
BIMSTEC comprises India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The regional grouping works to promote economic, technological and security cooperation among countries around the Bay of Bengal.
Concluding his remarks, Shah reiterated India’s commitment to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Bay of Bengal region. He stressed that closer collaboration among member countries would be essential to addressing shared security challenges and strengthening regional stability.
The five initiatives and the Delhi Declaration represent a framework for expanding cooperation across law enforcement, financial security, counter-terrorism and disaster management among BIMSTEC members.
