BIMSTEC nations vow to combat militancy in all its forms

Reuters:  Strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms was reiterated in during the BIMSTEC ministerial meet, Indian foreign ministry said yesterday.

A sub regional group, BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) comprises of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. Nepal is the current chair of BIMSTEC.

India was represented by Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj during the two-day event.

Secretary (East) at the Indian Foreign Ministry Preeti Saran said member countries agreed to work closely in tackling security threats in South Asia and South East Asia.

Bangladesh and India have killed over 100 militants so far this year and New Delhi has foiled numerous infiltration bids in Kashmir.

Established in 1997, BIMSTEC consists of 1.5 billion people and has a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion.