United for a Safer Bay of Bengal: BIMSTEC Nations Adopt Delhi Declaration to Strengthen Regional Security

In a landmark meeting in New Delhi, the seven BIMSTEC Member States commit to deeper cooperation against terrorism, drug trafficking, cybercrime and transnational organised crime, with Sri Lanka reaffirming its commitment to regional peace and stability.

In a significant step towards strengthening regional security and cooperation, the seven Member States of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) have reaffirmed their collective commitment to building a safer, more resilient and prosperous region at the inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, India.

Hosted by the Government of India under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the meeting brought together representatives of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand to address common security challenges and strengthen collaboration across the Bay of Bengal region. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, establishing a framework for closer cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence-sharing, capacity-building and the prevention of transnational crime. Source: BIMSTEC Secretariat

A Shared Vision for Regional Security

The inaugural meeting marked an important milestone in BIMSTEC’s institutional development, recognising that the security of one Member State is closely linked to the security and stability of the entire region.

As countries across the Bay of Bengal strengthen economic connectivity, trade and people-to-people relations, the need for coordinated responses to cross-border security threats has become increasingly important. The meeting provided a platform for Member States to advance a shared approach to addressing threats that transcend national boundaries and require sustained regional cooperation.

The Delhi Declaration reaffirmed the commitment of Member States to building a connected, secure, resilient, developed and prosperous BIMSTEC region. It also underscored the importance of respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and the principles of peaceful coexistence while strengthening collective security.

Tackling Transnational Threats Through Collective Action

Terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, terrorist financing, cybercrime and transnational organised crime featured prominently among the shared challenges addressed at the meeting.

Recognising the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by criminal networks, the Member States stressed the importance of timely information-sharing, coordinated law enforcement and stronger institutional partnerships. The Declaration also called for the effective implementation of existing BIMSTEC legal instruments and the early finalisation of proposed conventions to strengthen the region’s legal and operational framework.

Further cooperation was identified in areas including mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, extradition, the transfer of sentenced persons, countering illicit financial flows and enhancing specialised training for security and law enforcement personnel.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with relevant international and regional organisations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to complement regional efforts to combat transnational crime.

Sri Lanka Reaffirms Its Commitment

Representing Sri Lanka at the meeting, the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ananda Wijepala, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing regional security cooperation and addressing shared challenges through practical collaboration among BIMSTEC Member States.

In his statement, Minister Wijepala emphasised that security is fundamental to sustainable economic and social development, noting that people must be able to live peacefully, travel safely and conduct their businesses in a secure environment.

He outlined the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen public security institutions, improve coordination among law enforcement agencies and adopt a comprehensive approach to crime prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation. He also highlighted the importance of public confidence, community participation and protecting children and young people from drugs, violence and exploitation.

Addressing illicit drugs, the Minister drew attention to the cross-border nature of drug trafficking and its connections with organised criminal networks, international transport routes, financial flows and modern communication technologies. He referred to Sri Lanka’s national drug prevention programme, Ratama Ekata, emphasising the need to combine law enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation and community engagement.

Minister Wijepala further stressed that national measures alone cannot adequately address transnational threats. He called for stronger institutional coordination, timely information-sharing and practical cooperation to combat cybercrime, financial crime, human trafficking, migrant smuggling and criminal activities conducted through maritime routes.

Sri Lanka’s participation reflected its recognition that effective regional security cooperation is essential not only to safeguarding citizens but also to sustaining economic development, strengthening public confidence and promoting stability throughout the Bay of Bengal region.

From Commitments to Concrete Results

A key message emerging from the meeting was the need to translate regional commitments into tangible outcomes. While the Delhi Declaration establishes strategic priorities, its effectiveness will depend on the consistent implementation of agreed measures, stronger coordination between national authorities and the timely exchange of relevant information.

The meeting was preceded by the First Meeting of BIMSTEC Senior Officials of Home Ministries on 12 October 2026, which reviewed progress in regional security cooperation and considered initiatives relating to human trafficking, anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, drug control and disaster management.

These discussions laid the groundwork for advancing practical initiatives and reinforcing cooperation among the security institutions of Member States.

Strengthening the Future of BIMSTEC

The adoption of the Delhi Declaration represents a renewed commitment by BIMSTEC Member States to address common security challenges through dialogue, mutual trust and coordinated action.

For the Bay of Bengal region, stronger security cooperation is closely connected to the broader goals of economic integration, regional connectivity and sustainable development. A secure regional environment provides a stronger foundation for trade, investment, tourism and closer ties among the peoples of Member States.

As BIMSTEC continues to deepen cooperation across its areas of engagement, the inaugural Home Ministers’ Meeting marks an important step towards a more coordinated regional response to evolving security threats.

For Sri Lanka, active engagement in this process reflects its continued commitment to working with regional partners to promote peace, security and shared prosperity. The challenge ahead will be to ensure that the commitments made in New Delhi translate into effective cooperation and meaningful benefits for the people of the Bay of Bengal region.