BIMSTEC MEETING IN INDIA TACKLES MYANMAR CRISIS

Why in the news?

  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised the need for regional solutions at the first BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ retreat in New Delhi.
  • The meeting is significant due to the instability in Myanmar, where the military junta faces setbacks against ethnic armed organisations.
source:wordpress

Key Points: Myanmar Crisis

  • Alliance Attacks: Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and Ta’ang National Liberation Army launched attacks on the military.
  • Mass Resistance: Government officials, doctors, and police assisting resistance.
  • Territorial Shift: Major losses in Shan State and Paletwa town.
  • Increased Resistance: Significant resistance in Sagaing, Bago, and Magwe.
  • Recruitment Issues: Military struggles to recruit from Bamar-dominated regions.
About BIMSTEC Grouping:

  • Regional organisation of 7 member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
  • Established in 1997 to promote technical and economic cooperation.

Origin:

  • Formed in 1997 with the Bangkok Declaration.
  • Initially named ‘BIST-EC,’ later ‘BIMST-EC’ after Myanmar joined.
  • Renamed to ‘BIMSTEC’ with the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan in 2004.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/should-india-review-its-myanmar-policy-in-view-of-the-humanitarian-crisis/

https://universalinstitutions.com/the-myanmar-conflict-is-a-regional-problem/