BIMSTEC First-Ever Traditional Music Festival

Recently, the first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the BIMSTEC member countries.

About BIMSTEC

Formation and Purpose:

• Full Name: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

• Inception: BIMSTEC came into existence on June 6, 1997, following the Bangkok Declaration.

BIMSTEC serves as a platform for regional cooperation, connecting countries from both South Asia and Southeast Asia with shared interests in enhancing economic and technical cooperation in multiple sectors.

Membership:

• BIMSTEC is a unique organization that connects South Asia and Southeast Asia.

  • South Asia Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

  • Southeast Asia Members: Myanmar and Thailand.

This partnership brings together 1.7 billion people, or 22% of the world’s population, and a combined GDP of US$ 5 trillion.

BIMSTEC’s Operational Mechanism:

BIMSTEC organizes intergovernmental interactions through a variety of meetings to promote cooperation and coordination:

• Summits

• Ministerial Meetings

• Senior Officials Meetings

• Permanent Working Committee

• Joint Working Groups

• Experts Level Meetings

These interactions address key regional and global issues such as economic development, security cooperation, and cultural exchange.

Permanent Secretariat:

• Located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, it coordinates the activities and initiatives of BIMSTEC.

Priority Areas of Cooperation

BIMSTEC focuses on 14 priority areas, with each member country taking the lead in specific areas. India is a key player, leading efforts in the following domains:

• Transport & Communication

• Tourism

• Environment & Disaster Management

• Counter-Terrorism & Transnational Crime

The collaboration in these areas is designed to promote regional connectivity, sustainable development, and security cooperation across the Bay of Bengal region.

Significance of the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival

The BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival held in New Delhi exemplifies the organization's growing focus on cultural diplomacy and strengthening ties between its member states. By promoting cultural exchanges, BIMSTEC enhances mutual understanding and trust, which are essential for cooperation in other sectors.