5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ Meeting 2026
Why in News?
India will host the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ (NSA) Meeting in New Delhi on 16 July 2026 under the framework of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The meeting will bring together National Security Advisers and senior officials from member countries to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, cyber security, transnational crime, trafficking, and regional security.
The meeting reflects BIMSTEC’s growing role in addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the Bay of Bengal region.
About BIMSTEC
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation established in 1997 to promote economic, technical, and strategic cooperation among countries surrounding the Bay of Bengal.
Initially launched as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation), the grouping expanded with the inclusion of Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan and was subsequently renamed BIMSTEC.
Today, BIMSTEC serves as an important bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, complementing India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, and the Indo-Pacific vision.
BIMSTEC Member Countries
BIMSTEC comprises seven member states:
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
Collectively, these countries represent around 1.7 billion people and account for a significant share of the global population and regional economic activity.
5th National Security Advisers’ Meeting
The National Security Advisers’ Meeting is one of BIMSTEC’s key institutional mechanisms for enhancing regional security cooperation.
The 2026 meeting is expected to focus on:
- Counter-terrorism cooperation
- Cyber security
- Combating transnational organised crime
- Human trafficking
- Illegal narcotics trade
- Maritime security
- Satellite and space-based cooperation
- Information sharing and intelligence cooperation
- Capacity building among member states
Bangladesh, the current BIMSTEC Chair, has confirmed its participation. Its delegation will be led by Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, Defence Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
India’s Role in BIMSTEC Cyber Security Cooperation
India has played a leading role in strengthening BIMSTEC’s cyber security architecture.
Key initiatives include:
- Hosting the First BIMSTEC Experts Group Meeting on Cyber Security in New Delhi (2022).
- Hosting the Second BIMSTEC Experts Group Meeting on Cyber Security Cooperation on 21 January 2025.
The BIMSTEC Expert Group works towards implementing a regional Cyber Security Action Plan, focusing on:
- Cyber threat intelligence sharing
- Capacity building
- Protection of critical information infrastructure
- Cyber incident response
- Digital resilience
- Best practices for cyber governance
These initiatives aim to improve the collective cyber preparedness of BIMSTEC member states in an increasingly digital world.
Significance of National Security Advisers’ Meeting
The National Security Advisers’ Meeting strengthens BIMSTEC’s institutional framework for addressing emerging regional security challenges. Enhanced cooperation on cyber security, terrorism, maritime safety, and transnational crime contributes to a more secure and stable Bay of Bengal region.
For India, the meeting reinforces its leadership role in regional security architecture while advancing its strategic objectives under the Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), and the broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
Important Facts for Exams
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ Meeting |
| Venue | New Delhi |
| Date | 16 July 2026 |
| Organisation | BIMSTEC |
| Established | 1997 |
| Original Name | BIST-EC |
| Number of Members | 7 |
Static GK
- BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
- Bangladesh is the current Chair of BIMSTEC.
- India hosted the BIMSTEC Youth Leadership Exchange Programme from 25–30 April 2026, bringing together over 70 young leaders from member countries.
- BIMSTEC cooperation covers security, trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, disaster management, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
UPSC/ UPPSC/ State PSC Mains Focus
GS Paper II: Regional Groupings, India’s Neighbourhood Policy, BIMSTEC, International Relations, Regional Security.
GS Paper III: Internal Security, Cyber Security, Counter-Terrorism, Maritime Security, Transnational Crime.
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