India Hosts First BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting; Delhi Declaration Adopted

India Hosts First BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting; Delhi Declaration Adopted

India hosted the first meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Home Ministers in New Delhi on October 13, 2026. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, which reaffirms the member countries' commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation.

The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and brought together representatives of the seven BIMSTEC member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Press Information Bureau, the declaration covers cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking and other security challenges.

The meeting represents a step towards developing institutional arrangements for security cooperation among BIMSTEC members. The practical impact will depend on how governments implement the commitments and coordinate the work of their relevant agencies.

What the Delhi Declaration Says

The Delhi Declaration reaffirms the countries' commitment to a connected, secure, resilient and prosperous BIMSTEC region. It strongly condemns terrorism and violent extremism and calls for sustained efforts to prevent and combat these threats.

The declaration also addresses cross-border terrorism and the financing of terrorism. It emphasises cooperation in accordance with the United Nations Charter, international law and applicable domestic legal frameworks.

Another important element is the implementation of existing BIMSTEC arrangements concerning international terrorism, transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking. The declaration also calls for effective implementation of action plans relating to human trafficking, narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals and anti-money-laundering measures.

These areas involve challenges that can extend beyond the jurisdiction of a single country. Investigations may require information from several governments, coordination among enforcement agencies and legal processes for dealing with evidence or suspects located abroad.

The declaration establishes shared commitments, but the effectiveness of cooperation will depend on practical arrangements, the exchange of information and the capacity of national agencies.

Five Areas Highlighted by India

During the meeting, Amit Shah identified five areas for stronger cooperation:

• Drug control.

• Counterterrorism and legal cooperation.

• Repatriation of fugitive criminals.

• Cybersecurity and cybercrime investigation.

• Institutional cooperation and capacity building.

The priorities cover both established security concerns and newer challenges involving digital systems.

Drug trafficking, for example, can involve cross-border networks, transport routes and financial transactions. Cooperation between authorities can support investigations, but it must operate through the relevant laws and procedures of the countries concerned.

Cybercrime creates additional coordination requirements because digital evidence, victims and suspects may be located in different jurisdictions. Investigations can require technical expertise and timely information-sharing.

The repatriation of fugitive criminals also depends on legal frameworks, court procedures and the arrangements applicable between the countries involved. The declaration does not mean that every outstanding case will automatically result in a transfer or prosecution.

The next stage will involve translating the priorities into concrete work plans, training programmes and cooperation between relevant agencies.

Regional Security and Disaster Preparedness

The Bay of Bengal region faces security challenges as well as natural hazards. Cooperation between neighbouring countries can be relevant to disaster preparedness, early-warning systems and emergency response.

Official material associated with the meeting referred to cooperation on disaster management, including risk planning, joint exercises, disaster mapping, information-sharing and training.

Such activities can help governments prepare for emergencies that affect coastal communities or cross national boundaries. However, their effectiveness depends on the quality of planning, the availability of resources and coordination among agencies.

The proposed BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has also been highlighted in official material as part of regional disaster-management cooperation.

Disaster preparedness is distinct from counterterrorism, but both areas illustrate the wider purpose of regional cooperation: building mechanisms through which governments can respond to shared challenges.