Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Briefly define the Indo-Pacific and explain the shift from Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific to highlight its geopolitical importance.
• Mention the Bay of Bengal as a critical link in this framework and introduce BIMSTEC as a key regional organization.

2. Strategic Importance of the Bay of Bengal

• Regional Connectivity: Discuss its role as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia.
• Economic Significance: Highlight its trade potential and underutilization.
• Energy Resources: Mention its vast reserves and renewable energy capacity.

3. Role of BIMSTEC in Regional Cooperation

• Trade and Connectivity: Focus on initiatives for infrastructure and Free Trade Agreements.
• Energy Cooperation: Discuss collaborative energy projects, including renewables.

4. Role of BIMSTEC in Promoting Stability

• Security Measures: Address terrorism, human trafficking, and IUU fishing.
• Maritime Security: Explain its role in ensuring navigation freedom.
• Disaster Management: Highlight coordinated efforts for disaster response and mitigation.

5. Challenges and Way Forward

• Discuss challenges such as slow implementation of projects, lack of coordination, and geopolitical rivalries.
• Propose solutions like focusing on 3Cs: Complementarities, Connectivity, and Coordination.

6. Conclusion

• Reiterate the importance of the Bay of Bengal and BIMSTEC in ensuring a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Relevant Facts 

Bay of Bengal’s Strategic Significance

1. Regional Connectivity:
   • Hosts 23% of the world’s population but remains one of the least integrated regions.
2. Economic Potential:
   • Intra-BIMSTEC trade is USD 40 billion, far below the potential of USD 250 billion.
   • Free Trade Agreement pending for 18 years.
3. Energy Resources:
   • Renewable energy potential of 1,359 GW; significant reserves of coal, oil, and gas.

BIMSTEC’s Role in Stability

1. Addressing Terrorism:
   • Member countries rank high in the Global Terrorism Index, indicating vulnerability to threats.
2. Maritime Security:
   • Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Palk Strait impacts India-Sri Lanka relations.
3. Disaster Management:
   • Between 1891 and 2018, 41 severe cyclonic storms occurred in the Bay of Bengal.
   • From 1996 to 2015, 317,000 deaths and 16 million displacements due to natural disasters.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Slow progress in infrastructure projects and FTA negotiations.
• Geopolitical rivalries involving China, India, and others in the Indo-Pacific.
• Emphasize BIMSTEC’s 3Cs for effective regional integration.