In November 2025, India hosted the inaugural biennial conference of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) in Kochi, Kerala, from November 4-6, 2025, highlighting its commitment to advancing Blue Economy collaboration across the Bay of Bengal region.
About Biennial BIMReN Conference:
Event: The conference facilitated discussions on the outcomes of BIMReN’s activities since its launch.
Pilot phase: Connected 25 institutions and over 50 researchers from BIMSTEC countries, fostering collaborative studies in marine sciences, ocean health, and sustainable fisheries.
Alignment: It aligns with India’s regional policy objectives under Neighbourhood First, Act East, Indo-Pacific, and the (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) MAHASAGAR strategy, fostering scientific networks and engaging youth for sustainable marine research.
BIMReN: The BIMReN initiative was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Colombo BIMSTEC Summit in 2022 and officially launched in 2024 by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
It promotes data sharing, capacity building, and maritime governance, reinforces India’s regional marine diplomacy, strengthens Bay of Bengal Blue Economy cooperation.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
