Daily Update1 min read

First BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting Adopts Delhi Declaration in New Delhi

Seven BIMSTEC members adopted the Delhi Declaration at their first Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 13 October 2026, outlining regional security priorities.

What happened

The inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 13 October 2026 adopted a declaration supporting cooperation against terrorism, trafficking, narcotics, cybercrime and organised crime.

Key facts

  • BIMSTEC members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
  • The 2018 Kathmandu Summit decided to hold Home Ministers’ meetings; the 2025 Bangkok Summit welcomed the mechanism.
  • The convention on terrorism, organised crime and illicit drug trafficking entered into force in March 2021.
  • The mutual legal assistance convention was signed in March 2022.
  • Extradition and other proposed convention texts were called for early finalisation; they were not declared finalised.

Why it matters

A new ministerial-level mechanism strengthens Bay of Bengal regional security cooperation.

Exam takeaway

Know the seven members, venue/date, security priorities and treaty-status distinctions.

Where this comes from

Official source highlight

Seven BIMSTEC members adopted the Delhi Declaration at their first Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 13 October 2026, outlining regional security priorities.

Authority / source
Ministry of Home Affairs / PIB
Update published