New Delhi, October 14, 2026: India hosted the first-ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, bringing together representatives from all seven member countries to strengthen regional cooperation on security challenges. Chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the meeting concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, which outlines priorities for tackling terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime and illicit financial flows.
The meeting marks a new step in institutionalising security cooperation among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
First-Ever Home Ministers’ Meeting Under BIMSTEC
The gathering marked the formal launch of BIMSTEC’s Home Ministers’ mechanism, adding another layer to the regional organisation’s existing security framework.
The initiative builds on previous cooperation among national security chiefs and law-enforcement agencies. It aims to improve coordination on cross-border threats through information sharing, legal collaboration and joint efforts against organised crime.
Amit Shah Calls for Stronger Regional Coordination
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the meeting and called for closer operational cooperation among member states.
He emphasised the importance of translating regional commitments into practical action, highlighting BIMSTEC’s potential to support regional integration, inclusive development and collective security.
The discussions focused on strengthening coordination among law-enforcement agencies and improving the ability of member countries to respond to security threats that extend beyond national borders.
Delhi Declaration Adopted
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, establishing a framework for enhanced cooperation on shared security concerns.
The declaration focuses on counter-terrorism, organised crime, narcotics, trafficking in persons, cybercrime and illicit financial networks. It also underscores the importance of stronger institutional mechanisms and cooperation among member countries.
Five Priority Areas Identified
Shah highlighted five key areas for immediate cooperation: drug control, legal collaboration against terrorism, repatriation of fugitives, cybersecurity and institutional capacity building.
He also stressed the importance of faster intelligence sharing, mutual legal assistance and effective extradition arrangements to prevent criminals and suspected offenders from exploiting differences between national legal systems.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Terrorism
Counter-terrorism remained a central focus of the discussions. India reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and called for coordinated action against terrorist networks operating across borders.
Shah emphasised that terrorist groups should not be allowed safe havens in the BIMSTEC region. Cooperation between member states is expected to remain important in addressing cross-border networks, sharing intelligence and pursuing legal action against those involved in terrorist activities.
Drug and Human Trafficking in Focus
The meeting also addressed drug trafficking and human trafficking, both of which require cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination.
BIMSTEC has existing legal and institutional frameworks covering terrorism, organised crime and illicit drug trafficking. Its regional agenda also includes efforts to combat trafficking in persons through dedicated legal arrangements and action plans.
The latest discussions highlighted the need to strengthen enforcement cooperation and improve coordination against criminal networks operating across the region.
Cybersecurity Gains Greater Importance
Cybercrime and emerging digital threats featured prominently in the meeting’s agenda.
As digital fraud, cyberattacks and cross-border online criminal activities become increasingly complex, member states are seeking stronger mechanisms for sharing information and responding to incidents.
BIMSTEC has previously developed a five-year action plan for cybersecurity cooperation. The latest meeting reinforced the importance of continued coordination to address evolving digital risks.
Action Against Illicit Financial Flows
Member countries also discussed strengthening efforts against illicit financial flows associated with organised crime and terrorism.
Cooperation on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism is an important part of BIMSTEC’s broader security agenda. Improved information exchange and legal assistance can help authorities investigate suspicious transactions and pursue financial networks operating across borders.
BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre in Jamnagar
India also highlighted the proposed BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Shah encouraged member countries to participate actively in the initiative, which is intended to strengthen regional preparedness and cooperation in responding to disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
The initiative complements the group’s wider focus on regional resilience and coordinated responses to shared challenges.
All Seven Member Countries Participate
Representatives from all seven BIMSTEC members—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand—participated in the inaugural meeting.
Their participation provides a common platform for addressing security concerns affecting South and Southeast Asia, particularly those involving cross-border criminal networks and emerging technological threats.
Security Cooperation Builds on Earlier Meetings
The Home Ministers’ meeting follows earlier efforts to strengthen BIMSTEC’s security architecture. In July 2026, the grouping’s National Security Chiefs met in New Delhi to discuss terrorism, organised crime, cybersecurity, maritime security, energy security and emerging threats.
The new ministerial mechanism broadens this engagement by bringing home affairs and internal security leadership into a dedicated regional forum.
Delhi Declaration Sets Out the Next Phase
The inaugural meeting represents a significant institutional development for BIMSTEC, which connects countries across South and Southeast Asia around the Bay of Bengal.
The effectiveness of the Delhi Declaration will depend on how its commitments are translated into implementation. Stronger intelligence exchanges, legal cooperation, cybersecurity coordination and joint action against transnational crime could help member countries respond more effectively to shared security challenges.
Source – The Indian Express, BIMSTEC Secretariat
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