Amit Shah calls for stronger BIMSTEC cooperation to combat terrorism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday called for stronger regional cooperation among BIMSTEC countries to combat terrorism, disrupt terrorist financing and organised crime, and ensure that terrorist networks do not find a haven in the region. Addressing the first Home Ministers’ Meeting of BIMSTEC countries in New Delhi, Shah said India follows a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. He said the trust underlying the partnership of BIMSTEC countries is strengthened by the belief that the security arrangements of each member country should contribute to the security of the other members. HM Shah called for a collective resolve to prevent terrorist networks from finding shelter, establishing bases and training facilities, mobilising resources or conducting activities against other member countries. He also urged all members to cooperate in mutual legal assistance and extradition in accordance with their national laws and applicable agreements, saying such cooperation will strengthen efforts to bring criminals to justice.

Delhi: At First BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Real-time cooperation and coordination among intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies, financial monitoring agencies and border management agencies are extremely important for effectively tackling these challenges. India has always followed a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Our partnership is strengthened by the belief that the security arrangements of each member country should contribute to the security of other member countries. Our shared commitment should ensure that terrorist networks have no scope or space to find shelter, recruit and train individuals, raise funds or carry out activities against neighbouring countries in any part of the region. We should support one another in mutual legal assistance and extradition, in accordance with national laws and applicable treaties..." (Source: Union Home Minister Amit Shah/YT)

— IANS (@ians_india) October 13, 2026

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It aims to promote economic and technical cooperation among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal and in its neighbourhood.