Context: India’s External Affairs Minister attended the 17th ministerial meet of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries.
About the ministerial meet 

• Sri Lanka Chaired the 17th Ministerial Meeting.
• In meeting External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, reiterated India’s commitment to take BIMSTEC forward.

India’s Stand 

• Build the momentum of regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework.
• Robust connectivity is an essential prerequisite for economic integration.
• Highlighted progress achieved in sectors where India is the Lead Country viz Counter Terrorism & Trans-national Crime, Transport & Communication, Tourism, and Environmental & Disaster management and other activities.
• BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity for adoption at the next BIMSTEC Summit, which will be held in Sri Lanka.
• India’s northeastern states form a key part of the master plan, with several road and river links passing through the region.

About BIMSTEC

• BIMSTEC is a regional organization consisting of members from South Asia and South-East Asia. It was founded in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
• Objective: The organization aims to harness shared, accelerated growth through mutual cooperation on multiple areas of common interests. The members will achieve this by using regional resources and geographical advantage.

Members: It comprises seven Member States:

• Five from South Asia including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
• Two from Southeast Asia including Myanmar and Thailand.