New Delhi | May 2,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
India Hosts BIMSTEC Youth Leadership Programme:
India hosted the BIMSTEC Youth Leadership Exchange Programme, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and nurturing future leaders across the Bay of Bengal region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The week-long programme was organised in collaboration with the Art of Living Foundation and took place in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from April 25 to April 30.
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Participation from Across the Region
More than 70 young leaders from diverse professional backgrounds across the seven member nations of BIMSTEC participated in the exchange programme.
The initiative was launched following an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok in 2025, aiming to enhance youth engagement and collaboration in the region.
Focus on Leadership and Innovation
According to the MEA, the programme was designed to provide structured leadership development, exposure to regional challenges, and opportunities to co-create innovative solutions.
Participants were engaged in an applied-learning environment that encouraged experimentation, collaboration, and practical problem-solving.
The programme emphasized leadership development, systems thinking, innovation, community engagement, and the integration of well-being with leadership skills.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
The initiative reflects India’s broader strategic vision to deepen ties with neighbouring countries. It aligns with key policy frameworks such as the Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, and MAHASAGAR vision.
The MEA highlighted that such initiatives are essential to building sustainable partnerships and fostering long-term regional stability.
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Building on Previous Initiatives
India has been actively promoting youth engagement within BIMSTEC. In September 2025, the country hosted the BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit as part of a 21-point action plan to strengthen the grouping.
Preparing Future Leaders
Officials believe that the Youth Leadership Exchange Programme will lay the foundation for nurturing future-ready leaders capable of addressing emerging challenges in the region.
By equipping participants with leadership skills and collaborative approaches, the initiative aims to empower young minds to drive policy-making, development efforts, and innovation.
The programme underscores India’s growing role as a facilitator of regional cooperation and highlights the importance of youth in shaping the future of the Bay of Bengal region.
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