India Pledges Healthcare Expertise to BIMSTEC Nations as Colombo Meeting Adopts Joint Ministerial Statement
J.P. Nadda reaffirms India’s commitment to regional health cooperation at the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting, highlighting knowledge-sharing, technical expertise and stronger healthcare partnerships.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional healthcare development by sharing its medical expertise, technical capabilities and best practices with fellow BIMSTEC member countries. The commitment was announced by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda during the inaugural BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where participating nations unanimously adopted a Joint Ministerial Statement.
The meeting marked an important step towards strengthening regional collaboration in healthcare, bringing together health leaders from BIMSTEC member countries to discuss shared priorities and opportunities for cooperation in the health sector.
Addressing the gathering, Nadda emphasised India’s willingness to contribute its healthcare experience and technical knowledge to support the development of stronger and more resilient healthcare systems across the region. His remarks reflected India’s broader commitment to promoting accessible, affordable and quality healthcare through international partnerships and the exchange of expertise.
India’s offer also highlights the potential for greater cooperation in medical education, healthcare technology, institutional capacity-building and the sharing of successful public health practices. Such collaboration can help participating countries strengthen their healthcare infrastructure, improve professional capabilities and respond more effectively to evolving health challenges.
A significant outcome of the Colombo meeting was the unanimous adoption of the Joint Ministerial Statement, demonstrating a shared commitment among BIMSTEC members to advancing cooperation in healthcare.
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. As a regional organisation connecting South and Southeast Asia, it provides an important platform for addressing common development priorities through collective action.
Healthcare cooperation represents a particularly important area of regional engagement, given the shared challenges faced by member countries and the growing need for stronger health systems, technical collaboration and knowledge exchange.
India’s renewed commitment at the Colombo meeting reinforces its role in promoting regional development through cooperation and capacity-building. By offering its healthcare expertise and technical capabilities, India has signalled its readiness to work alongside BIMSTEC partners towards shared health objectives.
The unanimous adoption of the Joint Ministerial Statement provides a foundation for advancing this collective vision, strengthening regional partnerships and working towards a healthier and more resilient Bay of Bengal region.
