Neighbourhood First In Action: NSA Ajit Doval To Host Landmark 5th BIMSTEC Security Summit | Exclusive Details
Neighbourhood First In Action: NSA Ajit Doval To Host Landmark 5th BIMSTEC Security Summit | Exclusive Details Reported By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 01:15
Neighbourhood First In Action: NSA Ajit Doval To Host Landmark 5th BIMSTEC Security Summit | Exclusive Details Reported By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 01:15 IST Despite recent diplomatic frictions, Bangladesh—the current chair of BIMSTEC—has confirmed that the Prime Minister's Defence Adviser will lead its delegation NSA Doval is expected to place collective counter-terrorism actions at the top of the agenda. (File pic/PTI) In a major diplomatic push for regional stability, NSA Ajit Doval is set to host the fifth BIMSTEC Security Advisers’ meeting in New Delhi on July 16. The high-level summit brings together key representatives from member nations—including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—to forge a united front against shared security challenges across the Bay of Bengal region. By gathering the top security minds of these seven nations, India aims to leverage the BIMSTEC platform to drive its “Neighbourhood First" and “Act East" foreign policy frameworks, transforming diplomatic alignment into robust, practical security cooperation.
Building on foundations laid in previous ministerial engagements, NSA Doval is expected to place collective counter-terrorism actions at the top of the agenda. Top government sources indicate that India will actively advocate for more effective, real-time intelligence-sharing mechanisms and highly coordinated responses to neutralise cross-border threats. Beyond the traditional scope of counter-terrorism, discussions will focus heavily on dismantling transnational organised crime networks that directly threaten regional peace, including drug trafficking, illicit arms smuggling, and human trafficking operations. The security dialogue will also look extensively at critical border and maritime vulnerabilities. Securing vital sea lanes in the Bay of Bengal remains a core priority, with leaders addressing rising concerns over maritime piracy and illegal fishing. To bolster these efforts, India will push for enhanced maritime domain awareness to protect mutual economic interests, linking regional safety directly with land border management, energy security, capacity building, and broader economic connectivity. Furthermore, the New Delhi summit will confront modern, non-traditional security crises that exploit technological advancements.
Attendees are scheduled to map out collaborative strategies against sophisticated cyber threats, coordinated disinformation campaigns, and the systemic risks that emerging technologies pose to state sovereignty. The timing of this high-stakes summit carries immense geopolitical weight, taking place amid shifting global dynamics and ongoing challenges in Myanmar. Additionally, the diplomatic spotlight will shine brightly on India-Bangladesh bilateral dynamics. Despite recent diplomatic frictions, Bangladesh—the current chair of BIMSTEC—has confirmed that the Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser will lead its delegation, making the summit a crucial test of regional protocol, mutual courtesy, and the shared resilience of South Asian alliances. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the key outcomes expected from this BIMSTEC summit? The 5th BIMSTEC Security Advisers’ meeting, hosted by NSA Ajit Doval in New Delhi on July 16, aims to foster practical security cooperation and drive India's "Neighbourhood First" and "Act East" policies.
The BriefWire