Sample Answer
Introduction
BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation to the SAARC in the sense that it includes members from similar Geography – India and its neighbouring countries - a shared interest in regional prosperity.
Body
Similarities Between BIMSTEC and SAARC
| Membership | Both have members from India’s Neighbourhood including common members like – Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. |
| Objective | Both focus on regional economic prosperity, Security and People to People contact. |
| India | Both are crucial for India’s neighbourhood first policy owing to its Central position in terms of Geography and Economy. |
| Decision Making | Consensus driven. |
| Charter | Both have charters |
Dissimilarities
| SAARC | BIMSTEC | |
| Membership | Includes South Asian Countries only. | Includes countries linking South Asia with South East Asia. |
| Geo-Politics | Pakistan and Afghanistan pose challenges for India. | All countries are in favourable terms with India |
| Economy and Trade relations | SAFTA | Does not have a regional trade agreement. |
| Functional | Dysfunctional due to no summit since 2014 because of India – Pak rivalry | Regular summits are held latest in 2022. |
| Contentious Issues | Bilateral issues and contentious issues are explicitly out of its mandate | No such limitation under mandate |
Importance of BIMSTEC for India’s Foreign Policy
- Platform for regional cooperation amidst Stagnation of SAARC.
- Connectivity & Trade:
- Better connectivity with BIMSTEC – Kaladan, IMT Highway, BBIN.
- Huge economic potential - GDP of BIMSTEC countries being trillion 2.8 $.
- Development of NE region with Improved trade and connectivity
- Security crucial for dealing with insurgency in its Northeastern region
- Strategic:
- A platform to counter China in the Bay of Bengal region
- Gateway to southeast Asia and key for “Act East policy”
Conclusion
Both the platforms are relevant to India’s strategic interests and can complement each other if SAARC becomes functional.