Amit Shah Calls for Stronger BIMSTEC Security Cooperation, Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Terrorism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday called for stronger security cooperation among BIMSTEC member states to combat terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking, reiterating India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

Addressing the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ meeting hosted by India, Shah said mutual trust, intelligence-sharing and coordination among law enforcement, financial monitoring and border management agencies were essential to regional security.

He said terrorist networks must not be allowed to find safe havens, recruit and train personnel, raise funds or carry out activities against neighbouring countries. He also called on member states to strengthen mutual legal assistance and extradition in accordance with national laws and applicable treaties.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok in April 2025, Shah said the grouping was not merely a regional organisation but a model of inclusive development and security.

On drug trafficking, Shah warned that illicit proceeds fuel organised crime and terrorism, while the misuse of precursor chemicals and transactions through the dark web make the challenge more complex. He urged member states to adopt a region-wide approach, noting that the drug menace threatens young people, society and future generations.

Shah also described human trafficking as a serious challenge to regional security and human rights, stressing the need for cooperation in identifying, rescuing, rehabilitating and safely repatriating victims.

BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The regional grouping promotes cooperation in security, connectivity, energy, health, agriculture, disaster management and other sectors.