Second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave Begins in Vizag: Strengthening Maritime Cooperation and Cultural Heritage

Why in the News?

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, focusing on enhancing regional maritime connectivity, promoting Blue Economy, and fostering sustainable port development among the seven BIMSTEC nations. This event highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and supporting linguistic diversity while advancing economic cooperation in the region, which is home to various linguistic groups and showcases remarkable ethnic diversity, including speakers of Dravidian languages and those involved in Dravidian movements.

Key Highlights of the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave 2025:

● Event Details: The two-day conclave was held in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing the role of regional languages and linguistic communities in fostering cooperation. The event also discussed the potential of the tourism industry in strengthening regional ties.

● Minister’s Role: Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, inaugurated the event, stressing the importance of inclusive development in the maritime sector while respecting the racial diversity and cultural integration of the region. He highlighted the need for state policies that support Indian secularism and protect linguistic rights.

● Diverse Participation: Attended by policymakers, maritime experts, port authorities, private sector leaders, and academicians from all seven BIMSTEC nations, showcasing the linguistic diversity and cultural identity of the region, including representatives from tribal communities and speakers of Urdu language and Sindhi language.

● Objectives: To strengthen regional maritime cooperation, promote sustainable development, enhance port infrastructure in the Bay of Bengal, and boost the tourism industry through improved connectivity while preserving the composite culture of the area. The conclave also aimed to address potential linguistic conflicts and promote harmony among linguistic states.

● Minister’s Statement: The conclave acts as a springboard to unlock the Blue Economy’s potential in the region, while preserving local languages, endangered languages, and cultural significance, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive language policy. The minister also mentioned the importance of the National Translation Mission in facilitating communication across diverse linguistic groups.

Strengthening Maritime Cooperation in Bay of Bengal

● Regional Significance: The conclave underscores the importance of regional integration and maritime collaboration among BIMSTEC nations, promoting problem-solving skills and cognitive development in the maritime sector while respecting the diverse language families and fostering mutual respect among member states. This approach aligns with Article 29 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the interests of linguistic minorities.

● Port Development: Emphasis on sustainable port practices, green logistics, and public-private partnerships for port modernization, incorporating digital services and enhancing digital presence. This approach also considers the needs of various linguistic communities in the region and explores the potential of platforms like the DIKSHA portal and SWAYAM MOOCs for technical education in the maritime sector.

● Strategic Goals: Facilitating trade, improving logistics efficiency, and enhancing port connectivity to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities, while promoting religious tolerance and cultural integration. The conclave also discussed the role of the JVP Committee and Fazl Ali Commission in shaping regional development strategies.

● Vision for Future: Encourages building a resilient maritime ecosystem supporting environmental and economic sustainability, while respecting the cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of coastal communities. This vision aligns with constitutional provisions that protect linguistic and cultural rights, including the freedom of conscience.

● Stakeholder Involvement: Aims to foster a multi-stakeholder approach to port development in the region, leveraging local languages, traditional knowledge, and state policies that support linguistic secularism and cultural preservation. The conclave explored the potential of creating multilingual databases and using the linguistic diversity index to inform policy decisions.

About BIMSTEC:

Key Information

Full Form: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.

Year of Establishment: 1997.

Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Member Countries: Seven – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, representing a diverse mix of linguistic groups and ethnic backgrounds.

Key Focus Areas: Includes trade, transport, energy, tourism, technology, security, and climate change, with an emphasis on preserving regional languages, supporting endangered languages, and maintaining cultural identity.

Importance: Serves as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, crucial for Bay of Bengal maritime cooperation and regional stability, promoting inclusive development, social harmony, and respect for the composite culture of the region.

The BIMSTEC Ports Conclave 2025 represents a significant step towards strengthening maritime cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. By focusing on sustainable port development, digital services, and preserving cultural heritage, the conclave aims to create a robust framework for inclusive growth and regional integration. The emphasis on local languages, language training, and interpretation services underscores the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering stronger ties among BIMSTEC nations.

As the conclave progresses, it is expected to generate innovative solutions for maritime challenges, enhance problem-solving skills in the sector, and contribute to the cognitive development of maritime professionals across the region. This approach not only supports economic growth but also reinforces the constitutional mandate for protecting linguistic rights and cultural diversity. By addressing the needs of various linguistic communities and promoting mutual respect among different ethnic groups, the BIMSTEC initiative sets a precedent for holistic development that balances economic progress with cultural preservation.

The conclave also highlighted the importance of UNESCO initiatives in preserving cultural heritage and linguistic diversity in the region. Discussions touched upon the potential of leveraging international support for maintaining the rich tapestry of languages and cultures represented in the BIMSTEC nations, further strengthening the bonds of cooperation and mutual understanding among member states.