Q. Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC ? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two ? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation ?

Model Answer: 

BIMSTEC is not merely a parallel organization but serves as a pragmatic alternative to a stalled SAARC, uniquely bridging South and Southeast Asia.

SAARC and BIMSTEC: Similarities vs. Dissimilarities

Similarities:

• Geographical Overlap: Both share five common member states (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka).
• Shared Objectives: Both prioritize regional economic integration, poverty alleviation, and disaster resilience.

Dissimilarities:

• Geopolitics: SAARC is paralyzed by Indo-Pak hostility; BIMSTEC excludes Pakistan, ensuring smoother consensus and avoiding bilateral hijacking.
• Regional Scope: SAARC is exclusively South Asian; BIMSTEC physically bridges South Asia with ASEAN (Myanmar, Thailand).
• Framework Approach: SAARC relies on a broad political framework; BIMSTEC is strictly sector-driven (e.g., BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity).

Realizing India’s Foreign Policy Objectives

• Strategic Convergence: Acts as the primary linchpin integrating India’s “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” policies.
• Bypassing Obstructionism: Circumvents Pakistan’s historical vetoes on regional connectivity while diplomatically isolating state-sponsored terrorism.
• Northeast Development: Secures vital transit routes to the sea for landlocked Northeast India (Kaladan Multi-Modal Project, IMT Highway).
• Maritime Security: Advances India’s ‘SAGAR’ vision, countering China’s growing footprint in the strategically vital Bay of Bengal.

By pivoting to BIMSTEC, India effectively circumvents historical regional gridlocks, fostering a secure, connected, and economically integrated Bay of Bengal community.