Consider the following statements in respect of BIMSTEC: I. It is a regional organization consisting of seven member States till January 2025. II. It came into existence with the signing of the Dhaka Declaration, 1999. III. Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding member States of BIMSTEC. IV. In BIMSTEC, the subsector of 'tourism' is being led by India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Contents12
- AI and II
- BII and III
- CI and IV
- DI only
Show answer
Answer: (D) I only
(I) 'BIMSTEC has seven member States till January 2025' — CORRECT.
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) has seven members:
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand. ✓
(II) 'Came into existence with Dhaka Declaration, 1999' — INCORRECT.
BIMSTEC was established on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration (not Dhaka Declaration).
It was originally called BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation).
- Myanmar joined later in 1997.
- Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004. ✗
(III) 'Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding members' — INCORRECT.
Nepal is NOT a founding member.
The founding members in 1997 were:
- Bangladesh
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand.
Myanmar joined in late 1997.
Nepal and Bhutan joined much later in 2004. ✗
(IV) 'Tourism subsector is led by India' — INCORRECT.
In BIMSTEC's sector-wise distribution of leadership, the tourism sub-sector is led by Nepal, not India.
India leads sectors like counter-terrorism, transport, and connectivity.
Each member country leads different sectors. ✗
Only Statement I is correct. Answer is (d).
BIMSTEC connects South Asia with Southeast Asia through seven countries around the Bay of Bengal, making it strategically important for India's Act East Policy and regional connectivity projects.
BIMSTEC gained prominence in recent years as India shifted focus from SAARC due to Pakistan-related blockages, making BIMSTEC a key alternative platform for regional cooperation.
The question tests specific foundational facts about BIMSTEC - founding year, founding members, and sector leadership - which students often confuse with other regional groupings like SAARC.
BIMSTEC: Formation & Members
World Affairs (International Relations) BIMSTEC seven member States Bangkok Declaration
BIMSTEC: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
Quick Facts
7 members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
Established June 6, 1997 through Bangkok Declaration
Originally BIST-EC with 4 founding members (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand)
Myanmar joined late 1997, Nepal and Bhutan joined 2004
What is BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC connects South Asia with Southeast Asia through the Bay of Bengal. It focuses on economic cooperation, trade, and technical collaboration across multiple sectors.
Member Timeline
Year | Event | Members Added |
|---|---|---|
1997 | Bangkok Declaration | Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand (founding members) |
Late 1997 | First expansion | Myanmar |
2004 | Second expansion | Nepal, Bhutan |
Trap: Statement II says Dhaka Declaration — it was actually Bangkok Declaration
Trap: Statement III includes Nepal as founding member — Nepal joined only in 2004
Founding vs Later: Only 4 founding members in 1997, not 7
BIMSTEC Sectoral Leadership
World Affairs (International Relations) tourism subsector
BIMSTEC's Sector-wise Leadership Distribution
Key Leadership
Tourism sector led by Nepal (not India)
India leads counter-terrorism, transport & connectivity
Each member country leads specific sectors for coordination
Leadership System
BIMSTEC follows a lead country approach where each member takes responsibility for coordinating specific sectors. This ensures focused development and avoids duplication.
Major Sector Leadership
Country | Lead Sectors | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
India | Counter-terrorism, Transport & Connectivity | Security cooperation, infrastructure |
Nepal | Tourism | Cultural exchange, hospitality |
Thailand | Trade & Investment | Economic cooperation |
Bangladesh | Agriculture | Food security, rural development |
Sri Lanka | Fisheries | Marine resources |
Myanmar | Energy | Power sector cooperation |
Bhutan | Environment & Disaster Management | Climate resilience |
Major Trap: Statement IV says India leads tourism — actually led by Nepal
Don't confuse India's transport leadership with tourism leadership
Each country has specific sector responsibility — memorize key pairings
Regional Organizations in South Asia
World Affairs (International Relations)
Major Regional Organizations in South Asia & Neighbourhood
Key Organizations
SAARC (1985): 8 South Asian countries, focus on regional cooperation
BIMSTEC (1997): 7 countries bridging South & Southeast Asia
SASEC (2001): ADB-supported subregional program
Comparison of Regional Groups
Organization | Members | Focus | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
SAARC | 8 (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) | Political & economic cooperation | Oldest South Asian grouping |
BIMSTEC | 7 (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand) | Multi-sectoral technical cooperation | Links South & Southeast Asia |
SASEC | 4 (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) | Economic connectivity | ADB-supported infrastructure |
Strategic Importance
BIMSTEC serves as alternative to SAARC when Pakistan blocks initiatives
Bay of Bengal focus connects Indian Ocean strategy with regional cooperation
Act East Policy of India finds expression through BIMSTEC's Southeast Asia link