Introduction:
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) are two regional organizations that aim to promote economic and technical cooperation among their member countries. This paper aims to analyze the similarities and dissimilarities between BIMSTEC and SAARC, and the role of BIMSTEC in Indian foreign policy.
Similarities:
BIMSTEC SAARC
Aims To promote economic and technical cooperation among member countries To promote economic and technical cooperation among member countries
Focus Areas Economic integration and cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and tourism Economic integration and cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and tourism
Common Challenges Addressing common challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and climate change Addressing common challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and climate change
Meeting format Both organizations have regular summits to discuss and promote cooperation Both organizations have regular summits to discuss and promote cooperation
Regional cooperation Both organizations are focused on regional cooperation and integration Both organizations are focused on regional cooperation and integration
Dissimilarities:
BIMSTEC SAARC
Membership Includes countries from both South and Southeast Asia Exclusive focus on South Asian countries
Additional Countries Includes Myanmar and Thailand which are not members of SAARC
Focus Areas Has a more specific focus on areas such as energy, transportation, and technology Has a more general focus on economic and technical cooperation
Sectoral focus BIMSTEC focuses on multi-sectoral cooperation SAARC has a more general focus on cooperation
Founding year BIMSTEC was founded in 1997 SAARC was founded in 1985
Role of BIMSTEC in Indian Foreign Policy:
Economic Integration: BIMSTEC serves as a platform for India to promote economic integration and cooperation with its neighboring countries in areas such as trade, investment, and tourism.
Connectivity: BIMSTEC also serves as a platform for India to promote connectivity and infrastructure development in the region through initiatives such as the Gati-Shakti Yojana.
Countering China's Influence: BIMSTEC serves as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region, as India works to deepen its ties with other countries in the region.
Combating Terrorism: BIMSTEC serves as a platform for India to cooperate with other countries in the region to combat terrorism and ensure regional security.
Role of SAARC in Indian Foreign Policy:
Economic Integration: SAARC serves as a platform for India to promote economic integration and cooperation with its neighboring countries in South Asia in areas such as trade, investment, and tourism.
Connectivity: SAARC also serves as a platform for India to promote connectivity and infrastructure development in the region.
Countering Pakistan's Influence: SAARC serves as a counterbalance to Pakistan's influence in the region, as India works to deepen its ties with other countries in the region.
Combating Terrorism: SAARC serves as a platform for India to cooperate with other countries in the region to combat terrorism and ensure regional security.
Conclusion:
BIMSTEC and SAARC are both regional organizations that aim to promote economic and technical cooperation among their member countries. However, they have distinct membership, focus areas, and objectives. BIMSTEC represents a new avenue for Indian foreign policy, as it provides India with an opportunity to promote its economic and strategic interests in the Bay of Bengal region and Southeast Asia. The organization also serves as an alternative platform for India to engage with its neighborhood in the face of political tensions within SAARC.
