Home ministers from seven Bay of Bengal countries have adopted the Delhi Declaration following the first-ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi on 13 October 2026. The declaration marks a significant step in formalising institutional cooperation on security matters among member states of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
The member states involved are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The meeting was convened to provide strategic direction and strengthen cooperation in the security sector, a decision that had been approved at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok in April 2025.
Key facts
- First BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting held on 13 October 2026 in New Delhi
- Seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand
- BIMSTEC Convention on Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking entered into force in March 2021
- BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters signed in March 2022
- BIMSTEC Secretariat has secured Observer status at the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering
- Pending conventions: Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, and Against Trafficking in Persons
- Previous summits that paved the way: 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu (August 2018) and 6th Summit in Bangkok (April 2025)
What the declaration commits to
The Delhi Declaration reaffirms the commitment of all member states to regional cooperation based on principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence and non-interference in internal affairs. The declaration recognises the Bay of Bengal region as a shared security space facing common transnational threats.
All seven countries have strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism, and committed to prevent, combat and eliminate such threats in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. The declaration also emphasises that those responsible for terrorist attacks must be brought to justice through applicable domestic and international legal frameworks.
Priority security challenges addressed
The member states have identified several shared security challenges requiring coordinated action. These include drug trafficking, organised crime, cybercrime, money laundering, financing of terrorism, human trafficking, arms smuggling, piracy and illegal migration.
A particular focus is on transnational crime groups that exploit trafficked persons by forcing them into online fraud and scam operations. The declaration calls for urgent cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination of trafficking victims, with approaches that respect victims’ rights and follow victim-centred practices.
Implementation mechanisms and ongoing work
Several treaties are already in force to enable cooperation. The BIMSTEC Convention on Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking has been operational since March 2021, and the Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters came into effect following its signing in March 2022.
The declaration calls for effective implementation of finalised Plans of Action in three areas: human trafficking, narcotic drugs and precursor chemicals, and anti-money laundering. Member states have committed to developing a BIMSTEC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk and exploring a Regional Information-Sharing Mechanism on trafficking and migrant smuggling, operating within each country’s legal framework.
Pending work includes finalisation of treaties on extradition, transfer of sentenced persons and action against human trafficking. The Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) has been mandated to follow up on implementation of these decisions.
Capacity building and partnership
All member states have committed to offering training and capacity-building programmes at their premier institutions on counter-terrorism, violent extremism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering and transnational crimes, as regional initiatives under BIMSTEC.
The BIMSTEC Secretariat has secured Observer status at the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering and will explore partnerships with international organisations such as UNODC, INTERPOL and the Financial Action Task Force to reinforce member states’ security efforts.
What this means for you
Citizens and businesses in the seven member states can expect enhanced cross-border cooperation on security matters. This includes improved coordination in tackling drug smuggling, human trafficking networks and organised crime. Law enforcement agencies will have better mechanisms to pursue criminals across borders through extradition and mutual legal assistance.
The focus on combating financing of terrorism and money laundering may result in stricter scrutiny of financial transactions and banking practices. Victims of human trafficking will benefit from victim-centred approaches and better repatriation and reintegration support.
What happens next
Member states have committed to meeting regularly and frequently to advance this security agenda. Future BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meetings will be hosted by different member states. The Joint Working Group on CTTC will oversee implementation of the declaration’s directives.