Published Paper Details:

India has played an instrumental role in influencing regional cooperation in South and Southeast Asia with its leadership in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The agenda of BIMSTEC has been primarily guided by India, the largest economy and founding member, particularly concerning areas like commerce, connectivity, security, and sustainable development. Ineffective institutions, geopolitical rivalries, economic inequality, and the conflicting interests of regional and extra regional actors like China, however, present a threat to India's leadership. This paper focuses on prospects of BIMSTEC for India and the primary obstacles to BIMSTEC's efficacy as well as India's strategic vision for the initiative and the opportunities it offers for regional economic integration. By reviewing India's diplomatic efforts, policy initiatives, and infrastructural projects, the study suggests strategies to bolster India's leadership in BIMSTEC. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing India's position through reconciling institutional gaps, boosting inclusive collaboration, and using BIMSTEC as an anchor for economic expansion and stability in the region.