First BIMSTEC–India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference Concludes in Kochi

IN NEWS:

First BIMSTEC–India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference Concludes in Kochi

UPSC STYLE ANALYSIS

• Event Overview:
  The first biennial BIMSTEC–India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference concluded in Kochi on November 6, 2025, marking a key milestone in regional collaboration for a sustainable blue economy in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Conference Details:
  • The three-day event (November 4–6) brought together scientists, researchers, and policymakers from all BIMSTEC member countries.
  • Participants reviewed the progress of BIMReN initiatives and explored new avenues for joint marine research and resource management.
• About BIMReN:
  • Launched in 2024 by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.
  • Aims to promote institutional partnerships through twinning research grants and split-site PhD fellowships.
  • Links Indian research institutions with their counterparts in BIMSTEC nations.
  • The initiative was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Colombo BIMSTEC Summit (2022).
• Key Outcomes of the Conference:
  • BIMReN has, during its pilot phase, connected 25 research institutions and 50+ scientists across member states.
  • Focus areas include marine sciences, ocean health, and sustainable fisheries.
  • The Kochi meet facilitated sharing of research outcomes, identified challenges, and set a joint research roadmap to enhance marine ecosystem resilience.
• Strategic Significance:
  • Reinforces India’s vision of regional cooperation under its Neighbourhood First, Act East, Indo-Pacific, and MAHASAGAR strategies.
  • Strengthens India’s leadership role in promoting blue economy development and marine sustainability in South and Southeast Asia.
  • Highlights the Bay of Bengal’s critical role as it accounts for 6% of global fish catch and hosts one-third of the world’s fishing fleet.
• Official Statement:
  • The Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed that BIMReN underscores India’s long-term commitment to sustainable fisheries management and regional marine cooperation.

STATIC PART (FOR UPSC REVISION)

• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation):
  • Founded: 1997 (Bangkok Declaration)
  • Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand
  • Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Focus Areas: Trade, technology, energy, transport, fisheries, and counterterrorism cooperation.
• Blue Economy:
  • Refers to sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health.
  • Key components: Fisheries, marine biotechnology, coastal tourism, renewable ocean energy, and marine research.
• India’s Marine Research Initiatives:
  • Deep Ocean Mission – focuses on ocean exploration and sustainable resource use.
  • Sagarmala Programme – promotes port-led economic development.
  • MAHASAGAR Initiative – aligns India’s maritime outreach in the Indo-Pacific.

Updated – 07 Nov 2025 ; 04:12 PM | News Source: DD News