By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 1: Eyeing promotion of regional cooperation, the Asian Confluence on Thursday launched the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at its headquarters in Shillong.
According to a statement here, the centre aims to foster research, dialogue and collaboration focused on the shared future of the Bay of Bengal region.
Addressing the gathering at the launch event, Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, lauded the launch as a visionary step toward enhancing regional collaboration amid global challenges.
He also stressed the importance of shared developmental and security interests.
On the other hand, Joint Secretary (BIMSTEC and SAARC), Ministry of External Affairs, CSR Ram, highlighted the government’s commitment to regional cooperation through initiatives such as Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR.
During the programme, a special presentation was given by Prithvish Nag, former Surveyor General of India and Advisor to Asian Confluence, who underscored the Bay of Bengal’s historic significance in trade and cultural exchange.
The dignitaries also unveiled the inaugural souvenir of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies—a compendium of articles exploring the region’s diverse dimensions.
It may be mentioned that the event was followed by a high-level panel discussion on ‘Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal: Envisioning a Resilient and Prosperous Future – Opportunities and Challenges’.
During the discussion, the panellists shared varied insights on strengthening cooperation and fostering commercially viable, mutually beneficial partnerships to drive economic and social growth in the Bay of Bengal region.
The panel featured prominent speakers, including Editor of The Shillong Times Patricia Mukhim; CSR Ram, Joint Secretary (BIMSTEC and SAARC), MEA; Abe Noraike, Minister and Counsellor (Political), Embassy of Japan; Preeti Rahman, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of Bangladesh; Ambika Prasad Joshi, Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of Nepal; and Tshewang Dorji, Director, Bhutan BIMSTEC.
