Doval Urges BIMSTEC: Decisive Action Needed Against Global Security Threats!
Doval Urges BIMSTEC: Decisive Action Needed Against Global Security Threats!
India's NSA Ajit Doval stresses urgent collaboration among BIMSTEC nations to tackle terrorism, cyber threats, and maritime challenges amidst global uncertainties. A call for decisive action!
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has called upon the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) grouping to undertake "decisive actions" to counter global uncertainties and multi-domain security threats. Speaking at the 5th Meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs in New Delhi, Doval highlighted the critical need for urgent collaboration among member states to address shared challenges.
Doval underscored the immense importance of BIMSTEC, noting that it connects two of the world's fastest-growing regions. The grouping represents nearly 1.7 billion people, approximately 22 percent of the global population, and boasts a combined GDP of about USD 5 trillion. He emphasized that the Bay of Bengal not only unites these nations geographically but also through deep civilizational and cultural legacies spanning a millennium of shared history. "Building on these unique bonds, BIMSTEC has been anchored in robust cooperation across a range of sectors on the foundations of a great past. We strive to achieve a great future, sharing prosperity and resilience for all our people," Doval stated.
The NSA reported significant progress in strengthening cooperation across several security domains. BIMSTEC nations have advanced their collective efforts in fighting terrorism, combating transnational organised crime, addressing cyber threats, and meeting maritime challenges. Doval affirmed that the group is well-positioned to combat new and emerging threats together, stressing that these achievements are crucial in the current geopolitical landscape.
He reiterated that BIMSTEC's long-standing priorities, regional security, connectivity, capacity building, and economic security, must continue to drive the organisation's future endeavours. These foundational goals are essential for fostering a stable and prosperous region, ensuring the well-being of all member states.
For India, BIMSTEC is a key pillar of its regional outreach, embodying the country's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, its commitment to the 'Act East Policy', and the 'MAHASAGAR' vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This strategic alignment underscores India's dedication to robust regional partnerships and collaborative security frameworks.
As BIMSTEC approaches its 30th anniversary next year, Doval urged member countries to further strengthen cooperation and enhance institutional capacity. This call to action aims to bolster regional security and resilience, ensuring that the grouping remains effective and adaptive in the face of evolving global challenges.
