India recently hosted the first biennial BIMSTEC‑India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) conference in Kochi, a key step toward deepening blue‑economy ties in the Bay of Bengal. The three‑day event ran from November 4 to 6 and brought together scientists, policymakers and young researchers from India and other BIMSTEC nations to discuss marine challenges, ecosystem health and new research tools.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the conference helped build a stronger scientific community and shared best practices for managing marine resources. It also gave participants a chance to review BIMReN’s progress since its launch in 2024. So far, the program has linked 25 institutions and more than 50 researchers across the region through research grants and split‑site PhD fellowships.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi first announced the BIMReN initiative at the 2022 Colombo BIMSTEC Summit, and it fits neatly into India’s broader “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” strategies. The ministry highlighted how the Bay of Bengal, which yields about 6 % of the world’s fish catch and hosts a third of the global fishing fleet, remains a critical focus for sustainable fisheries and regional cooperation.
Earlier this year, during the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, Modi laid out a 21‑point action plan that covers everything from science and technology to trade and security. He confirmed that BIMSTEC is a vital forum for advancing global good and urged deeper engagement across sectors. The new conference in Kochi signals India’s continued commitment to nurturing the blue economy while strengthening ties with its BIMSTEC neighbors.
Source: ianslive
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