BIMSTEC security chiefs endorse maritime interaction principles and HADR guidelines to strengthen regional safety, coordination and disaster response. Photo : BIMSTEC

DHAKA, July 19, 2026 (BSS) - The BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs have endorsed a set of guiding principles for maritime law enforcement agencies 
during interactions at sea, aiming to enhance predictability and promote safety during maritime engagements among member states.

The principles were endorsed at the fifth meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs, held recently in New Delhi, said a press release, issued by 
the BIMSTEC Secretariat today.

The meeting also adopted the BIMSTEC Guidelines for the Maritime Component of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), which are expected to 
help member states undertake relief operations across the region in an expeditious and coordinated manner.

Indian Prime Minister's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval hosted and chaired the meeting, attended by National Security Advisers or heads of 
delegations from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey presented a comprehensive overview of the status of security cooperation within the regional grouping 
and briefed member states on progress made since the previous meeting in addressing traditional, non-traditional and emerging security challenges.

Pandey underscored the importance of timely implementation of various decisions and initiatives, enhanced coordination and information-sharing, 
greater knowledge-sharing and continued capacity-building among relevant organisations of the member states.

The National Security Advisers and heads of delegations exchanged views on measures to combat terrorism and organised crime, ensure security in the 
cyber, maritime and energy domains, enhance connectivity, facilitate effective disaster management and tackle new and emerging security threats.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the BIMSTEC Secretary General held separate bilateral meetings with India's National Security Adviser, Nepal's Home 
Secretary and Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary.

The meetings provided opportunities to exchange views on issues of mutual interest and explore ways to further strengthen cooperation within the 
BIMSTEC framework.

As BIMSTEC marks its 30th anniversary year, the National Security Advisers and heads of delegations reiterated their resolve to further enhance 
collaboration to strengthen regional security, build resilience and enhance institutional capacities to address diverse security threats.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region -
- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.