BIMSTEC Ports Conclave 2025: Advancing Maritime Cooperation in the Bay of Bengal
India to Host 2nd Edition in Visakhapatnam under the Theme ‘One Bay, One Vision, One Mission’
VISAKHAPATNAM : The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, is set to host the 2nd Edition of the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave on 14–15 July 2025 at Novotel Varun Beach, Visakhapatnam. Held under the theme “One Bay, One Vision, One Mission”, the conclave aims to deepen regional maritime collaboration and unlock new dimensions of connectivity, trade, and sustainable development across the Bay of Bengal.
As a regional alliance connecting South and Southeast Asia, BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) plays a crucial role in driving economic integration through port-led infrastructure and maritime strategies.
A Strategic Maritime Platform for the Region
The conclave will witness participation from all seven BIMSTEC Member States — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand — and bring together a diverse group of stakeholders including:
- High-level government officials
- Leading port authorities
- Experts in maritime logistics and cruise tourism
- Private sector stakeholders
- Academic and policy voices from across the region
This global maritime gathering will serve as a platform to share best practices, promote regional collaboration, and operationalize the recently signed BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation.
Visionary Leadership and Collective Prosperity
In a special message, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the pivotal role of BIMSTEC:
“With 22% of the world’s population and a $5.2 trillion economy, BIMSTEC stands as a beacon of shared progress. Together, we are transforming the region into a seamless economic corridor, where modern ports drive trade, logistics, and prosperity across Bay of Bengal.”
Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister
Echoing this vision, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Shantanu Thakur will grace the conclave, reaffirming India’s leadership in regional maritime development under the Sagarmala Programme.
Towards a Seamless Blue Economy
Key focus areas of the conclave include:
- Strengthening regional port connectivity
- Facilitating dialogue on sustainable maritime practices
- Enhancing cooperation in logistics, cruise tourism, and skill development
- Supporting the blue economy through shared port infrastructure and digital innovation
As the region emerges as a global maritime trade hub, the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave 2025 will mark a significant step in aligning the shared aspirations of member countries to build an inclusive, resilient, and thriving Bay of Bengal.