SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of External Affairs | BIMSTEC
The regional grouping BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and Indian think-tank Asian Confluence have jointly launched the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies in Shillong on 30 October 2025, marking the first institution of its kind dedicated to the Bay of Bengal region.
The Centre aims to foster regional research, policy dialogue, and lasting cooperation among BIMSTEC member countries, focusing on connectivity, maritime cooperation and sustainable regional development. India’s participation as host and a key BIMSTEC member underscores its commitment to its Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR initiatives.
The Centre also strengthens India’s role at the interface of South and Southeast Asia, while supporting India’s National Maritime Policy and complementing the BIMSTEC master plan for multi-modal connectivity.
What is BIMSTEC?→ BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a seven-nation regional grouping — Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan — focused on economic integration, connectivity, maritime cooperation, and security across the Bay of Bengal. It links South and Southeast Asia, supports India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First strategies, and anchors stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
What is Asian Confluence?→ Asian Confluence is a Shillong-based policy and cultural think-tank that promotes cooperation between India and the Bay of Bengal region, especially through the Northeast. It advances connectivity, trade, river and cultural diplomacy, supporting India’s Act East, Neighbourhood First, and Indo-Pacific strategies.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How will India leverage the new Centre to shape a concrete “Bay of Bengal-Indo-Pacific corridor” connecting northeast India, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia in terms of trade, transport, and climate resilience?
Follow the full news here: Launch of Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies | Asian Confluence announcement