India maintains its position as one of the elitist contenders in the high waters of the Indian Ocean which is heavily packed with eccentric sea resources and is known for having the most important trade routes of the 21st century. The Bay of Bengal, which forms the womb of BIMSTEC, is also the most important region in the Indian Ocean is the route for about 25% of global trade. India has also remarkably expanded its presence here over the years and is required to keep doing so in order to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region and near the Malacca Strait, which is considered one of the most important trade routes in the world. For this, the projects and ties with BIMSTEC nations become important for India. India’s non-participation in China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ also makes it important for India to strengthen its own strategic and economic ties in South Asia.

India & BIMSTEC's Tourism Potential

Tourism is one of the 14 priority areas in the BIMSTEC and also one of the four priority sectors where India is the lead country. The tourism sector has a lot of scope of thriving in BIMSTEC region as it is home to ancient civilizations and many historical sites. The entire region is notable for its diversity, yet the member nations have deep cultural linkages. India and other member nations are capable of earning a lot by exploring the sector. It was in July 2007 that the BIMSTEC Tourism Information Centre was established in Delhi. This was followed by the establishment of a Network of Tour Operators among the Member States of BIMSTEC. This Network is an outcome of the BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held in Nepal's Kathmandu in 2017 and has been formed to engage tour operators to promote tourism in the region including the Buddhist Tourist Circuit and luxury cruise, etc. 

Year 2020 was a rough year for the south asian grouping with corona virus erasing aspects of growth in tourism, visits, trades & dealings. India, however, kept the ball rolling with its Vaccine Maitri initiative, sending the life saving tablets to the BIMSTEC neighbours on priority. This supply has been sent to five BIMSTEC nations viz. Bangladesh (103 lakh doses, as on 3 April 2021), Myanmar (37 lakh doses), Nepal (24.48 doses), Bhutan (5.74 lakh doses) and Sri Lanka (12.64 lakh doses). India has sent a lot of doses as gift to these nations and has done a great deal of justice to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.