Full Breakdown
BIMSTEC Home Ministers Meet in New Delhi Adopt “Delhi Declaration” on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Adoption of the Delhi Declaration (October 13, 2026)
On October 13, 2026, India hosted the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ meeting. Delegations from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand adopted the “Delhi Declaration,” condemning terrorism, terror financing, radicalisation, drug and human trafficking, cybercrime and organised crime, and urging implementation of UN Security Council sanctions, including those of the 1267 Sanctions Committee.
Background & Context
BIMSTEC, a grouping of seven Bay of Bengal nations, has traditionally focused on economic and technical cooperation. The senior-officials’ gathering earlier this year, led by India’s Union Home Secretary, set the stage for the historic summit. The meeting followed a BRICS summit in September, underscoring BIMSTEC’s growing role in regional security coordination.
Key Figures & Groups
- Amit Shah — Union Home Minister of India; chaired the summit and outlined five priority cooperation areas.
- Manzur Morshed Chowdhury — Senior Secretary, Bangladesh Home Ministry; represented Bangladesh.
- Sudhan Gurung — Home Minister of Nepal; met bilaterally with Shah.
Official Statements & Responses
India’s government said the declaration reflects a “whole-of-region” approach, calling for real-time intelligence sharing, coordinated legal assistance and the creation of a BIMSTEC national security database and information-sharing centre. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand signed, reaffirming sovereign equality, territorial integrity and non-interference while pledging to combat cross-border terrorism, terror financing, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime and organised crime.
Verbatim Quote
- “India has always believed in sovereignty and peaceful resolutions to any dispute. We are committed to cooperating to face challenges emanating from international terrorism, organised crime and narco-trade,” — Amit Shah, Union Home Minister
Data & Statistics
The declaration does not set quantitative targets; it calls for the “early finalisation of texts” of conventions on extradition, transfer of sentenced persons and trafficking, and a standard operating procedure for victim rescue and reintegration.
Why It Matters / Impact
The Delhi Declaration creates a formal framework for coordinated action among BIMSTEC members, addressing threats such as encrypted communications, cryptocurrency, drones and the dark web. By linking counter-terrorism with anti-money-laundering and drug-control measures, the agreement aims to disrupt financial flows that sustain organised crime and terrorist networks. The proposed BIMSTEC national security database and disaster-management centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, will enhance intelligence sharing and rapid response across the Bay of Bengal region.
What’s Next
Member states must finalize the conventions on extradition, transfer of sentenced persons and trafficking, and develop a standard operating procedure for victim assistance. Implementation will require legislative and procedural steps within each country, as well as the establishment of the BIMSTEC information-sharing centre and disaster-management hub.