On addressing the Summit, PM Modi highlighted BIMSTEC as a vital bridge between South Asia and South-East Asia. He underlined that the group had become an impactful platform for regional cooperation, coordination and progress. 

The Prime Minister announced several India-led initiatives towards institution and capacity building in BIMSTEC, including setting up of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in India on Disaster Management, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine and Research and Training in Agriculture. He also announced BODHI [BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure], a new programme for skilling the youth, under which training and scholarships would be provided to professionals, students, researchers, diplomats and others.

Source: narendramodi

The Summit adopted the Summit Declaration, BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 document, BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, which provides for – National Treatment and assistance to vessels, crew and cargo; mutual recognition of certificates/ documents; Joint Shipping Coordination Committee and dispute settlement mechanism and report of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group constituted to make recommendations for future direction for the BIMSTEC.

On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi met leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar. Since Sheikh Hasina fled to India, he held first talks with Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh's interim government in Bangkok, Thailand. PM Modi met his Bhutan counterpart, Tshering Tobgay, reiterating that India’s friendship with Bhutan is robust, and both countries are cooperating extensively in several sectors. PM Modi met Min Aung Hlaing, the Senior General of Myanmar and expressed condolences on the loss of lives and damage of property in the wake of the recent earthquake in Myanmar. He added that India is supporting Myanmar in this critical time to its best.