Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (UPSC 2022)

BIMSTEC is not a parallel copy of SAARC; it is a more functional Bay of Bengal platform linking South Asia with Southeast Asia, while SAARC remains confined to South Asia.

Similarities and differences

• Both promote regional cooperation, peace and development; both include India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and use consensus-based, non-confrontational diplomacy with secretariats and sectoral cooperation.
• SAARC has 8 members and is South Asia-centric; BIMSTEC has 7 members, adding Myanmar and Thailand, and is maritime and Bay of Bengal oriented.
• SAARC has often been stalled by India-Pakistan rivalry; BIMSTEC avoids this constraint and now has a charter with stronger legal identity.

Indian foreign policy gains

BIMSTEC advances Neighbourhood First and Act East, deepens connectivity, trade, energy and digital links, and boosts security, maritime awareness, disaster response and India’s bridge to ASEAN.