The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on 13 October 2026 that India hosted the first meeting of BIMSTEC Home Ministers in New Delhi. Member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—approved several plans of action to combat human trafficking, drug trafficking, money laundering, and terror financing. They also adopted the Delhi Declaration to guide security cooperation and agreed to establish a BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The release does not say when these approved plans take effect.
Key points
- Approved a Convention against Trafficking in Persons and a Plan of Action on Drug Control.
- Adopted the Delhi Declaration to prioritize information sharing and mutual legal assistance.
- Agreed to establish a BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
- Signed an MoU to combat money laundering and terror financing through expert training.
- Focused on five key areas: drug control, counter-terrorism, fugitive repatriation, cyber-security, and capacity building.
When it applies
- first meeting of BIMSTEC Home Ministers
- 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok
Who it affects
- BIMSTEC region