India is hosting the first-ever BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Youth Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from February 7 to 11, 2025. The summit, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is a key initiative aimed at fostering regional cooperation among the member countries of BIMSTEC.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Ministry of External Affairs, with the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Young Indians (CII YI) as the knowledge partner, the event offers a platform for young leaders from BIMSTEC nations to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities for regional collaboration.
In a post on X, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared details of the event, stating, “The 1st BIMSTEC Youth Summit themed ‘Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange’ was inaugurated by Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Khadse, and Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumder in Gandhinagar.”
He added that during the three-day summit, young leaders from BIMSTEC countries will discuss critical topics such as entrepreneurship, technology, digital connectivity, sustainable development, and regional cooperation. “The event aims to forge stronger ties transcending boundaries and foster meaningful exchange among the youth,” he said.
The summit, aligning with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, ‘Act East’ policy, and the ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ vision, underlines the country’s commitment to promoting regional integration. It serves as a platform to strengthen youth-led collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the BIMSTEC region.
Held on February 8, the inaugural session was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Mansukh Mandaviya, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Raksha Khadse, and Jaideep Mazumder. The summit brought together over seventy delegates from BIMSTEC countries, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The participants, including ministers, entrepreneurs, tech developers, cultural leaders, and influencers, will engage in discussions on vital regional issues.
The discussions will focus on encouraging youth to take an active role in addressing regional challenges, exchanging ideas on strategic matters, and seeking solutions for economic and social development. Empowering youth to generate ideas for a prosperous future and facilitating productive exchanges are key objectives of the summit.
Through this initiative, India aims to foster a new wave of youth-led engagement, enhancing regional cooperation and strengthening the bonds between BIMSTEC nations.
