India hosts BIMSTEC Youth Leadership Exchange Programme, bringing 70+ young leaders together to boost regional cooperation, leadership development, and innovation across Bay of Bengal nations under India’s strategic Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.
Efforts to deepen regional engagement received renewed momentum as India convened a week-long youth leadership exchange under the framework of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), underscoring its strategic focus on nurturing future leaders across South and Southeast Asia.
The BIMSTEC Youth Leadership Exchange Programme, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with Art of Living Foundation, took place across Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar from April 25 to April 30. The initiative brought together more than 70 young leaders representing diverse sectors from all seven BIMSTEC member nations, creating a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.
According to the Ministry, the programme reflects India’s broader commitment to regional cooperation and youth empowerment. It follows an announcement made by Narendra Modi during the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, where he emphasized the importance of fostering youth exchanges to strengthen ties across the Bay of Bengal region.
Participants engaged in a structured curriculum focused on leadership development, regional challenges, and collaborative problem-solving. The programme emphasized experiential learning, encouraging attendees to co-create solutions while gaining insights into pressing socio-economic and environmental issues affecting the region.
Officials noted that the initiative was designed as more than a conventional exchange programme. It provided an applied-learning environment that integrated innovation with practical exposure, enabling participants to experiment with ideas and develop scalable solutions. Sessions also focused on systems thinking, community engagement, and holistic leadership approaches, including the integration of personal well-being into leadership practices.
The Ministry highlighted that such initiatives align with India’s long-term vision of fostering sustainable regional cooperation. By investing in youth leadership, the programme aims to build a network of future-ready leaders equipped to address complex regional challenges, ranging from economic development to climate resilience.
This initiative builds on previous engagements, including the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit held in September 2025, which formed part of a broader 21-point action plan unveiled by Prime Minister Modi. The action plan seeks to strengthen institutional cooperation and deepen connectivity among member states.
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India’s approach to regional collaboration is guided by key strategic frameworks such as Neighbourhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The youth exchange programme is seen as a critical step in operationalising these visions by empowering the next generation to take an active role in policymaking and development initiatives.
As regional dynamics continue to evolve, initiatives like the BIMSTEC Youth Leadership Exchange Programme are expected to play a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. By equipping young leaders with the skills and networks needed to navigate emerging challenges, India aims to strengthen the foundation for long-term growth, stability, and prosperity across the Bay of Bengal region.
