India to Host First-Ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in Delhi Today

October 13, 2026

New Delhi: India will host the first-ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation on security-related issues. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the meeting, which is expected to focus on tackling terrorism, transnational organised crime, narcotics, human trafficking and emerging cyber threats.

On Monday, Shah described the gathering as a historic occasion, highlighting the shared commitment of BIMSTEC member countries to address security challenges that cross national borders.

He said the meeting reflects “our shared resolve to combat terrorism, transnational organised crime, narcotics radicalisation, trafficking, illicit financial flows, and cyber threats”.

“Through decisive coordination, we remain committed to building a safer, stronger, and more secure BIMSTEC,” the Home Minister said.

Officials from the member countries are expected to participate in the meeting.

BIMSTEC Members to Discuss Regional Security Challenges

The meeting is expected to provide a platform for member nations to discuss common security concerns and explore ways to strengthen cooperation against cross-border threats. Key areas of focus include terrorism, organised criminal networks, drug-related threats, human trafficking and cybercrime.

BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is a regional organisation comprising seven countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

According to the organisation’s official website, BIMSTEC promotes cooperation across several sectors, including agriculture and food security, the blue economy, connectivity, culture, disaster management, energy, environment and climate change, health, human resource development, fisheries and livestock, fiscal and monetary policy, and people-to-people relations.

Previous BIMSTEC Security Meeting Focused on Terrorism, Maritime Safety

In July 2026, the fifth Meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs was held in New Delhi. National Security Advisers and heads of delegations discussed measures to combat terrorism and organised crime, strengthen cybersecurity and maritime and energy security, improve connectivity, enhance disaster management, and address emerging security threats.

The meeting adopted the BIMSTEC Guidelines for the Maritime Component of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. The guidelines are intended to help member countries carry out relief operations across the region more efficiently.

The participants also endorsed guiding principles for maritime law enforcement agencies during interactions at sea. These principles aim to improve predictability and promote safety during maritime engagements among member states.

The first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting is expected to build on these regional security efforts and strengthen coordination among member countries in addressing shared challenges.