New Delhi:BIMSTEC Home Ministers have embraced the Delhi Declaration, committing to bolster regional efforts against terrorism, human trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering, while also enhancing disaster preparedness in the Bay of Bengal area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the declaration was adopted at the first Home Ministers' Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) held in New Delhi. This landmark declaration provides a comprehensive framework to strengthen collective responses to transnational security challenges, including terrorism, cybercrime, and illicit drug trafficking.
The declaration places significant focus on combating new forms of human trafficking, where victims are exploited through online fraud and scam operations. The seven-member BIMSTEC group, which includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, reaffirmed their commitment to a secure and prosperous region through closer cooperation and coordinated security initiatives.
The ministers condemned terrorism and violent extremism, stressing the importance of implementing United Nations Security Council sanctions. They voiced concern over the use of technology by transnational criminal groups, especially in trafficking operations, and called for a victim-centred approach to combat trafficking.
In a significant move, the Home Ministers approved the draft BIMSTEC Convention Against Trafficking in Persons and a regional action plan to combat human trafficking. They also endorsed an action plan to prevent illicit financial flows among member states, underlining the importance of implementing international standards to prevent terrorist exploitation of financial systems.
Narcotics control was another focus, with the approval of the BIMSTEC Plan of Action on Drug Control and the recognition of the need for a regional drug offences monitoring desk. Legal cooperation initiatives included the implementation of the BIMSTEC Convention on Combating International Terrorism and other related conventions.
The declaration also highlighted maritime security cooperation, cybersecurity, and disaster management. The ministers approved a plan to improve disaster preparedness in the Bay of Bengal region and emphasized specialized training and capacity-building for law enforcement.
The declaration reaffirmed the principles of sovereign equality and mutual benefit, linking security cooperation with economic growth and regional connectivity. The ministers agreed to hold regular meetings to review and strengthen cooperation on security priorities, marking a significant step toward enhancing regional security integration.