Shillong: India hosted the 11th meeting of the BIMSTEC Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime in New Delhi on September 28 and 29. Delegations from all member states attended the sessions. Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand took part in the talks.
Suhel Ajaz Khan, Additional Secretary for Counter Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs, chaired the event. Officials analyzed both traditional and emerging security risks. The Ministry of External Affairs reported, "The participants also deliberated and made recommendations on a wide range of issues to enhance cooperation and collaboration in countering terrorism and transnational crimes in the region."
Delegates reviewed updates from five specialized sub-groups. These teams focus on human trafficking, illicit narcotics, money laundering, legal enforcement, and counter-radicalization. The group aims to streamline operations across these sectors. It builds on momentum from July, when National Security Advisor Ajit Doval hosted the fifth meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs. Those leaders focused on cyber, maritime, and energy security. BIMSTEC continues to link South and Southeast Asia, prioritizing trade, connectivity, and disaster management.
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