The first biennial conference of the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) concluded in Kochi on Thursday, marking a significant step in advancing regional collaboration for sustainable blue economy initiatives across the Bay of Bengal region.
The three-day event, held from November 4–6, brought together scientists, researchers, and policymakers from BIMSTEC member countries to review progress under the BIMReN initiative and explore new pathways for collective marine research.
Launched in 2024 by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, BIMReN facilitates institutional partnerships through twinning research grants and split-site PhD fellowships, linking premier Indian research institutes with their counterparts across BIMSTEC nations. The initiative was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Colombo BIMSTEC Summit in 2022, as part of India’s efforts to promote cooperation under its Neighbourhood First, Act East, Indo-Pacific, and MAHASAGAR strategies.
During its pilot phase, BIMReN has successfully connected 25 research institutions and over 50 scientists from BIMSTEC countries, fostering collaborative studies in marine sciences, ocean health, and sustainable fisheries. The Kochi conference served as a platform for sharing outcomes, discussing challenges, and formulating joint research agendas aimed at enhancing marine ecosystem resilience and resource management.
Ministry of External said in its statement that the launch of BIMReN underscores India’s long-term commitment to regional cooperation in sustainable fisheries management. The Bay of Bengal, which accounts for nearly 6% of the world’s fish catch and hosts more than one-third of the global fishing fleet, remains a critical area for ensuring balanced growth and environmental stewardship in the Indo-Pacific.