Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey has recently made his introductory visit to Bhutan and underscored the significance of the entry into force of the BIMSTEC Charter which will provide impetus to expanding and deepening regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. 

He highlighted the potential outcomes of the upcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, and underlined the significance of the work of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons’ Group.

During the visit, the SG met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck with an audience. 

The King assured the SG of Bhutan’s continued support to BIMSTEC. His Majesty the King also shared with SG his vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), who assured His Majesty of the support of BIMSTEC. 

During the visit, the SG met Prime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay. 

He apprised the Prime Minister of the current state of regional cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework. 

While reiterating Bhutan’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation, the Prime Minister underscored the critical role that BIMSTEC can play in promoting growth and development in the Bay of Bengal region.  

The SG also called on Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister (MoFAET) D.N. Dhungyel, and reviewed with him the progress in regional cooperation within the BIMSTEC,  the way forward, and the vital role of Bhutan in the success of the BIMSTEC. 

The Minister reiterated Bhutan’s commitment and reassured SG of Bhutan’s full support to BIMSTEC. 

Besides, the SG also called on Energy and Natural Resources Minister Gem Tshering and discussed with him regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, particularly in the environment, climate change, and energy sectors.

He had met with the Energy and Natural Resources Secretary Karma Tshering and had discussed in detail the prospect of regional cooperation in the above sectors.  

The SG met Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Employment at the dinner hosted in his honour by Sudhakar Dalela, Ambassador of India to Bhutan.

Indra Mani Pandey made a presentation on “Promoting Regional Cooperation through BIMSTEC” as part of  MoFAET Lecture Series, in presence of Foreign Secretary Pema Choden, MoFAET officials both at the Headquarters and the Missions abroad, as well as relevant officials from the government agencies. 

Besides official engagements, the SG interacted with Bhutanese media and briefed them on his introductory visit to Bhutan and progress in regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework. 

Indra Mani Pandey also attended the opening ceremony of the 4th Parliament of Bhutan and visited places of cultural and spiritual significance in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro.

Bhutan  is one of the seven member states of BIMSTEC and leads regional cooperation in the environment and climate change sector and mountain economy sub-sector of BIMSTEC. Bhutan joined the BIMSTEC in 2004.