Current Affairs - International - Discussion

India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in 2025 at Visakhapatnam, underscoring its strategic commitment to strengthening regional maritime connectivity and advancing sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal. The conclave emphasised themes like blue economy, innovation, and sustainable partnerships, aligning closely with India's Sagarmala initiative. Key developments included progress on the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), recognition of the Kaladan Corridor as vital for India's northeastern connectivity, and the announcement of the BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in Mumbai. Hosting this conclave reaffirmed India's leadership within BIMSTEC and its broader Indo-Pacific engagement through the Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.