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OPINION JUNE 28, 2024 | The Indian Eye 12

cooperation. It sought to tighten the
bond between India and its neigh-
bours, moving from traditional bilat-
eralism to subregional cooperation.
Recognising its pivotal posi-
tion, India has assumed the role of
a key facilitator, enabling trade and
connectivity amongst neighbouring
states.
It provides access for Nepal,
Bhutan and Bangladesh to trade with
each other and outside the region.
These countries hold immense po-
tential for increased infrastructure,
trade, and investment cooperation.
The participation in the swearing-in
ceremony on 9 June 2024 is a clear
signal of commitment to extending
and revitalising this cooperation.

Further, India also seeks to
engage with the Maldives,

Mauritius, Sri Lanka and the
Seychelles to cooperate in the
India Ocean Region (IOR) under
the Security and Growth for All

in the Region (SAGAR) initia-
tive. Through the SAGAR vision,
India has been exploring the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina witness an exchange of multiple MoUs and agreements during a joint press
potential for blue economy de- statement, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday (ANI)

velopment, maritime security,
and fostering regional partner- broad engagement. and Bangladesh. In terms of connec- Conclusion
ships. These shifts from bilateralism to tivity, BBIN countries have pursued s India reaffirms its “Neigh-
proactive subregional cooperation initiatives like concluding the BBIN bourhood First” policy and
initiatives aim to enhance region- Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA)
The SAGAR doctrine envisions A“SAGAR vision,” it paves the
a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and al stability and promote economic in June 2015 to facilitate the free way for a future characterised by en-
movement of vehicles, cargo, and
growth and mutual prosperity. Prime
prosperous Indo-Pacific region. It Minister Modi’s reaffirmation of In- passengers. Although Bhutan hasn’t hanced subregional integration and
advocates for an international order dia’s “Neighbourhood First” policy ratified the agreement yet, Bangla- cooperation. The noticeable partici-
built on established rules, sustain- and “SAGAR vision” emphasises the desh, India and Nepal have approved pation of leaders from neighbouring
able and transparent infrastructure strategic importance of subregional it, with India announcing plans to im- states and the IOR at PM Modi’s
investments, freedom of navigation cooperation. Prioritising relations plement it without Bhutan. swearing-in ceremony underscores
and unobstructed lawful commerce. with neighbouring states and extend- Additionally, there were discus- India’s commitment to fostering
India aims to contribute to various ed neighbours (IOR), India intends sions about a BBIN Rail Agreement peace, stability and prosperity. It
aspects, such as connectivity, capac- to encourage inclusive development in the third Joint Working Group of also signals a positive trajectory for
ity building, disaster management, and sustainable growth. BBIN in January 2016 to bolster rail- subregional and multilateral engage-
people-to-people exchanges, sustain- From SAARC to Subregional- way networks and enhance regional ments, offering renewed prospects
able development and awareness of ism: An Evolutionary Paradigm economic growth and tourism. Initia- for collaboration. Through concerted
illegal fishing activities, maritime The stagnation within the South tives like bus services between these efforts and collaborative initiatives,
safety and security and underwater Asian Association for Regional Co- countries have already begun, and India, along with its subregional part-
domain awareness in the IOR, guid- operation (SAARC) has catalysed a there are further prospects for coop- ners, is poised to usher in an era of
ed by SAGAR principles. paradigm shift towards subregion- eration pending the approval of the sustained growth, prosperity and har-
Ultimately, this policy seeks to mony within the South Asian subre-
create opportunities of growth for al initiatives. Bangladesh, Bhutan, BBIN-MVA. gion and the Indian Ocean region.
India and Nepal (BBIN) initiative
While in the recent past, there
all countries located in the region, stand out as exemplary models, fo- have been no new developments in Subodh Chandra Bharti is a Research
ensure freedom of navigation, and cusing on infrastructure develop- the BBIN initiatives, however, Prime Associate at Indian Council of World
uphold international maritime law ment, trade facilitation, and econom- Minister Modi’s call for ‘deeper Affairs, New Delhi
in the region. The participation of ic cooperation. people-to-people ties, connectivity,
South Asian neighbours and the The BBIN countries possess peace, progress and prosperity in the This article first appeared in the View-
IOR countries in the swearing-in significant potential for hydropower region’ signals a positive outlook for point section of the website (www.icwa.
ceremony indicates a positive sign of generation, with Bhutan and Nepal reviving projects, aiming to foster in) of Indian Council of World Affairs,
developing steadfast subregional and
capable of exporting energy to India subregional cooperation. New Delhi, on June 21, 2024

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