BIMSTEC Nations Sign Maritime Transport Pact to Boost Regional Connectivity

Foreign ministers from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) nations—India, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—signed a landmark maritime transport cooperation agreement on Thursday. The pact aims to enhance regional connectivity and trade through multimodal transportation, strengthening economic ties among member countries.

The agreement was signed during a ministerial meeting in Bangkok, coinciding with the announcement of new reciprocal tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking on the timing of the signing, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura emphasized the urgency of regional connectivity, stating, “This highlights the importance of our efforts to facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services across all modes of transport.”

While the new U.S. tariffs—ranging from 27% for India to 45% for Myanmar—were not formally discussed in the meeting, experts believe they could accelerate BIMSTEC’s push for a free trade agreement (FTA). Raj Kumar Sharma, a senior fellow at Indian think tank NatStrat, suggested that Washington’s measures could drive BIMSTEC nations to seek regional solutions to economic disruptions.

The agreement’s specifics, including port connectivity improvements in Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand, are yet to be disclosed. However, BIMSTEC members have expressed commitment to strengthening trade and transport links, with a focus on finalizing a trade pact at the earliest opportunity.

In addition to trade discussions, ministers addressed the aftermath of the recent earthquake in Myanmar. Although Myanmar did not formally request assistance, the issue is expected to be discussed in bilateral meetings.

The ministerial gathering precedes the BIMSTEC Summit, where leaders—including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing—will engage in high-level talks on regional cooperation.