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Shillong's New Bay of Bengal Centre Aims to Boost Regional Cooperation

A new Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies has been launched in Shillong to enhance regional cooperation. The centre will promote research and policy dialogue among countries connected by the Bay of Bengal. It aligns with India's strategic frameworks including Neighbourhood First and Act East policies. The initiative aims to strengthen trade, connectivity, and sustainable development across South and Southeast Asia.

Key Points: Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies Launched in Shillong

  • Centre serves as platform for academic and policy exchanges among regional stakeholders
  • Initiative aligns with India's Neighbourhood First and Act East Policy frameworks
  • Focuses on improving physical and economic connectivity with Southeast Asia
  • Aims to restore Bay of Bengal's historical role as maritime trade hub
3 min read

'Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies' launched in Shillong to enhance regional cooperation, connectivity

New research centre in Shillong to strengthen Bay of Bengal cooperation through policy dialogue, trade connectivity, and sustainable development initiatives across South and Southeast Asia.

"The Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies would play an important role in strengthening regional engagement. - Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, BIMSTEC Secretary-General"

Shillong, Oct 31

A new 'Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies' was launched in Shillong on Friday to strengthen research, policy dialogue, and regional cooperation among the countries and states connected by the Bay of Bengal. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration in areas of trade, connectivity, and sustainable development across South and Southeast Asia.

The centre will serve as a platform to promote academic and policy exchanges and facilitate what experts termed as "third space" cooperation among regional stakeholders.

Speaking at a high-level panel discussion on "Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal: Envisioning a Resilient and Prosperous Future - Opportunities and Challenges", Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), said the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies would play an important role in strengthening regional engagement.

Ambassador Pandey described the initiative as timely, noting that it aligns with the growing need for deeper collaboration amid evolving global and regional challenges.

C.S.R. Ram, Joint Secretary (BIMSTEC and SAARC) in the Ministry of External Affairs, underlined India's policy thrust on regional cooperation through initiatives such as the Neighbourhood First, Act East Policy, and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) frameworks.

Former North Eastern Council (NEC) member M.P. Bezbaruah and former Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh highlighted the importance of improving physical and economic connectivity between India and Southeast Asia to unlock the Bay region's potential.

Prithvish Nag, former Surveyor General of India, in his presentation, traced the Bay of Bengal's historical role as a hub of maritime trade and cultural exchange, calling for renewed efforts to restore its economic and strategic vitality.

The inaugural discussion featured senior diplomats and policy representatives from BIMSTEC member countries, including Abe Noraike, Minister and Counsellor (Political), Embassy of Japan in India; Preeti Rahman, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in India; Ambika Prasad Joshi, Counsellor (Minister), Embassy of Nepal in India; and Tshewang Dorji, Director (Bhutan), BIMSTEC.

The speakers emphasised that the Bay of Bengal region lies at the crossroads of South and Southeast Asia and is central to India's strategic outreach under the Neighbourhood First and BIMSTEC frameworks. They called for practical, commercially viable, and mutually beneficial partnerships to drive economic and social growth.

The establishment of the Centre is expected to enhance regional understanding and policy cooperation through research-based initiatives and sustained dialogue among governments, think tanks, academia, and businesses across the Bay of Bengal region, a statement noted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some concrete steps towards regional connectivity! The Northeast has so much untapped potential. Hope this leads to better infrastructure and economic opportunities for our states. Act East Policy needs more such initiatives.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in international relations, I appreciate the focus on BIMSTEC cooperation. The Bay of Bengal region is crucial for India's strategic interests. Hope this center produces meaningful research that informs policy decisions.
A
Arjun K
Good initiative but I hope it doesn't become another talking shop. We need practical outcomes - better transport links, easier trade procedures, and real economic benefits for ordinary people. The Northeast deserves development that actually reaches the ground level.
K
Kavya N
The historical perspective mentioned by Prithvish Nag is important. The Bay of Bengal was once a thriving trade route connecting civilizations. Reviving this maritime connectivity can transform our region's economy. Jai Hind! 🙏
M
Michael C
Interesting to see Japan's involvement through their embassy representative. Japan has been a key partner in India's infrastructure development. Their expertise could be valuable for maritime connectivity projects in the Bay of Bengal region.

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