Bimstec adopts Delhi Declaration to strengthen regional security

Bimstec Home Ministers have adopted the Delhi Declaration, committing to stronger regional cooperation against terrorism, human trafficking, organised crime, money laundering and emerging security threats while enhancing disaster preparedness across the Bay of Bengal region.

The declaration was adopted at the first-ever Home Ministers' Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), held in New Delhi on Tuesday, said a BIMSTEC Secretariat press release issued here today (15 October).

The landmark declaration outlines a comprehensive framework for strengthening collective responses to transnational security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, illicit drug trafficking, illegal migration, financial crimes and maritime security threats.

It also places particular emphasis on combating emerging forms of human trafficking in which criminal networks exploit victims through forced participation in online fraud and scam operations.

The seven-member regional grouping comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Under the declaration, the Home Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to building a connected, secure, resilient, developed and prosperous Bimstec region through closer cooperation and coordinated security initiatives.

They strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism, and reiterated their determination to combat such threats in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

The ministers also called for effective implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions, including those imposed under the 1267 Sanctions Committee.

Recognising the growing use of technology by transnational criminal groups, the declaration expressed serious concern over trafficking victims being forced into online scam operations, debt bondage and other forms of exploitation.

The ministers stressed the urgency of cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination, as well as countries where scam centres operate and where individuals are defrauded.

They called for a victim-centred approach to combating trafficking, ensuring respect for victims' rights while strengthening cross-border law enforcement cooperation.

In a major development, the Home Ministers approved the draft Bimstec Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, which is expected to be signed after completion of the required domestic approval procedures by member states.
They also approved a regional Plan of Action to Combat Human Trafficking, along with an implementation matrix to facilitate coordinated measures against trafficking networks.

The declaration called for early finalisation of standard operating procedures for the rescue, repatriation and reintegration of trafficking victims.

It also encouraged further consultations on a proposed regional information-sharing mechanism to combat trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling.

On financial crimes, the ministers approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Capacity Building for Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism.

The proposed MoU is expected to be signed following completion of the necessary domestic procedures.

They also endorsed an Action Plan to Prevent Illicit Flows of Funds among Bimstec member states, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing.

The declaration underlined the importance of implementing internationally agreed standards to prevent terrorist groups from exploiting financial systems and emerging technologies.

The ministers welcomed Bimstec's observer status at the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), describing it as an important step towards stronger international engagement.

Regarding narcotics, the meeting approved the Bimstec Plan of Action on Drug Control and authorised publication of the second and third editions of the BIMSTEC Annual Drug Reports.

The ministers also recognised the need to develop a Bimstec Drug Offences Monitoring Desk to strengthen information exchange and regional responses to drug-related crimes.

They called for early finalisation of the Plan of Action on Countering Radicalisation and Terrorism together with an implementation matrix.

In the area of legal cooperation, the declaration stressed the need for full implementation of the Bimstec Convention on Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crimes and Illicit Drug Trafficking, which entered into force in March 2021.

The ministers also called for effective implementation of the Bimstec Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, signed at the fifth Bimstec Summit in Colombo in March 2022.

They encouraged early finalisation of the proposed conventions on extradition and transfer of sentenced persons to facilitate stronger cooperation among law enforcement authorities.

The declaration further underscored the importance of maritime security cooperation, recognising the progress achieved by Bimstec National Security Advisers and Chiefs in addressing regional security challenges.

The fifth meeting of Bimstec National Security Advisers and Chiefs, held in New Delhi in July this year, approved guidelines for maritime humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, alongside guiding principles for maritime law enforcement agencies.

The first Bimstec Maritime Security Exercise is scheduled to take place in India from 30 October to 3 November this year.

Cybersecurity also featured prominently in the regional cooperation agenda, with a five-year action plan already finalised and further discussions underway on establishing a framework for cooperation among national computer emergency response teams.

On disaster management, the Home Ministers approved a Plan of Action to Improve Preparedness and Coordination for Responding to Natural Disasters in the Bay of Bengal Region.

The initiative seeks to strengthen regional preparedness, early warning capabilities and coordinated responses to natural calamities affecting Bimstec member states.

The declaration also recognised the importance of specialised training and capacity-building programmes for law enforcement and security personnel.

Member states committed themselves to providing tailored training through their respective premier institutions in counterterrorism, combating human trafficking, drug control, anti-money laundering and other areas of transnational crime.

The ministers mandated the Bimstec Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime and its five sub-groups to follow up on implementation of the decisions and directives contained in the declaration.

They also encouraged the Bimstec Secretariat to explore partnerships with international organisations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The declaration reaffirmed that regional security cooperation would be based on sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit.

Recognising the close relationship between security and development, the ministers stressed that stronger collective security arrangements would help advance economic growth, regional connectivity and prosperity.

They also agreed to hold regular meetings to review progress and strengthen cooperation on shared security priorities.

The inaugural Home Ministers' Meeting was preceded by a meeting of Home Secretaries and senior officials of Bimstec member states in New Delhi on Wednesday. 

The establishment of the ministerial mechanism follows decisions taken at the fourth Bimstec Summit in Kathmandu in 2018.