High-Level Dialogue Advances BIMSTEC Cooperation in Agriculture and Food Security

The International Relations & Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD) and the Ambassadors Club hosted a high-level breakfast meeting on April 10, 2025, convening key delegates from BIMSTEC member states. Led by IRGDD President Dr. Sarmila Parajuli Dhakal, the event focused on enhancing dialogue around agricultural development and food security within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region.

The meeting served as a vital platform for discussions on regional cooperation in agriculture. Dr. Dhakal expressed her enthusiasm in welcoming visionary leaders committed to a sustainable agricultural future. Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of attendees, she extended her appreciation to Yonten Phuntsho, Bhutan’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, and to Indra Mani Pandey, the Secretary General of BIMSTEC, for his influential leadership and enduring partnership.

Among the attendees were senior secretaries from the Government of Nepal, including Krishna Bahadur Raut from the Ministry of Industry; Govindra Bahadur Karki from the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies; Mr. Suresh Acharya from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; and Dr. Govindra Prasad Sharma from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

In his address, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to regional cooperation and emphasized the importance of engagement with senior Nepali officials. He reflected on BIMSTEC’s distinctive composition, shaped by shared geography and cultural heritage, and expressed anticipation for his upcoming visit to Kathmandu for the Sagarmatha Sambaad, a forum that will focus on global climate challenges.

BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to regional cooperation and emphasized the importance of engagement with senior Nepali officials. He reflected on BIMSTEC’s distinctive composition, shaped by shared geography and cultural heritage, and expressed anticipation for his upcoming visit to Kathmandu for the Sagarmatha Sambaad, a forum that will focus on global climate challenges.

Highlighting contemporary dynamics in diplomacy, he remarked on the rising influence of social media on foreign affairs, stressing the need for transparency and public engagement in policy-making. Additionally, he praised the IRGDD’s efforts, envisioning it as a vital player for fostering regional dialogue. He also discussed the expansion of BIMSTEC-affiliated think tanks to enhance policy exchange.

The event drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from BIMSTEC member states, including notable officials from Bhutan, alongside former ambassadors, government representatives and members of the business community. Guests were treated to a specially curated breakfast featuring signature dishes that celebrated South Asia’s rich culinary diversity, symbolizing the region’s unity and shared cultural bonds.

This high-level meeting marks a significant step toward deepening collaboration in agriculture and food security among BIMSTEC countries, showcasing their shared commitment to sustainable development across the region.