BIMSTEC gets ‘legal personality’ after charter comes into force

• BIMSTEC during the 5th summit has acquired a ‘legal personality’

Highlights:

• The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will now be open to new members and observers after a historic first charter of the grouping came into force
• With the charter having been adopted in the 5th summit of the BIMSTEC leaders, the grouping has acquired a ‘legal personality’ and will be able to enter into structured diplomatic dialogue with other groupings and countries.
• The entry into force of the BIMSTEC Charter reaffirms India’s commitment to a prosperous, peaceful and sustainable neighbourhood.BIMSTEC reflects the synthesis of our Neighbourhood First and Act East policies
• The charter will provide “legal and institutional framework for meaningful cooperation and deeper integration of the Bay of Bengal region.

BIMSTEC

• It was formed in 1997
• Seven member states - Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar and India

Prelims Takeaway

• BIMSTEC
• Neighbourhood First and Act East policies