Regional cooperation is more crucial than ever, amid global instability
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has rightly underscored the shifting dynamics of global geopolitics, urging regional organisations to enhance cooperation and self-reliance in the face of increasing global uncertainties. Speaking at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Ministerial meeting in Bangkok, he emphasised that the world order is in flux, necessitating greater regional collaboration and South-South synergy to navigate emerging challenges.
Jaishankar’s remarks come at a time when the traditional pillars of global governance are experiencing turbulence. Over 60 nations are facing the brunt of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and many nations are coping with the regional wars like Ukraine and in the Gulf. The rise of multipolarity, economic realignments and geopolitical tensions have weakened the effectiveness of international institutions, compelling regional blocs to take charge of their own security, trade and development. He categorically said that global order is under churn and every region needs to look out for itself. Inded a very pertinent point. He urged BIMSTEC nations to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as trade, connectivity, technology and climate action. He highlighted the importance of reducing reliance on distant economic powerhouses and fostering deeper intra-regional ties.
The BIMSTEC brings together seven nations — India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand — spanning South and Southeast Asia. The grouping aims to enhance economic integration, connectivity and collaboration on shared challenges such as terrorism, climate change and pandemics.
Jaishankar has also reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening BIMSTEC as a key regional mechanism, advocating for enhanced cooperation in supply chain resilience, digital transformation and sustainable development.
He stressed that the organisation must adapt to global shifts by prioritising regional interests and reducing dependency on volatile external forces.
Beyond regional self-sufficiency, there is also a need to have greater South-South cooperation, emphasising the need for developing nations to collaborate on shared interests. Right now the Global South faces common challenges — economic volatility, energy security and climate crises — which can be effectively tackled through joint efforts in research, innovation and economic partnerships. India has been at the forefront of such collaborations, engaging with African, Latin American and ASEAN nations to foster technology sharing, capacity-building initiatives and trade partnerships. The BIMSTEC framework can serve as a model for broader South-South cooperation, enabling developing nations to assert greater influence in global affairs. South-South Cooperation (SSC) is being propelled by a combination of economic, political and strategic factors as developing nations seek alternative pathways to growth and development. The rise of emerging economies like China, India and Brazil has demonstrated the potential of collaboration among nations of the global South, fostering trade, investment and knowledge exchange without reliance on traditional Western-led institutions.
As the world grapples with geopolitical unpredictability, the BIMSTEC bloc has an opportunity to emerge as a resilient and dynamic regional force, shaping its own destiny in an increasingly fragmented world. However, for that to happen, all member nations must abandon their West-centric approach and restructure their economies to align with the needs of developing nations — potentially evolving into a model free from hegemonic Western influence.
