India and the BIMSTEC- regionalism, multilateral frameworks and a changing global order

While India continues to be a key player in BIMSTEC, the Modi administration has realised that extracting benefits and engage meaningfully with the members of the group would be challenging. Notwithstanding the modest advancements to date, the article examines the causes that have compelled New Delhi to establish a long-term diplomatic commitment to BIMSTEC. Given the strategy of multi-alignment and 'hedging' by member states of BIMSTEC and China's consolidation as a 'favoured partner' of these countries, in the long run, India's ability to extract benefits from this forum will be marginal. Considering New Delhi's larger foreign policy goals and the geostrategic concerns, India finds itself with limited alternatives but to commit to this framework, notwithstanding the associated costs. In the coming decades, India's ability to expand its influence and reap benefits through mini-lateral frameworks may be the key in determining its position in the neighbourhood and beyond.