Indra Mani Pandey Takes On BIMSTEC Secretary General Role

In a significant development, Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, a seasoned diplomat from India, officially assumed the role of Secretary General (SG) of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). This appointment marks a crucial chapter in the organization’s leadership, with Ambassador Pandey succeeding Tenzin Lekphell of Bhutan.

Fourth Secretary General for BIMSTEC

Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey becomes the fourth Secretary General of BIMSTEC, succeeding Tenzin Lekphell. The official announcement was made through a foreign ministry press release, confirming that Ambassador Pandey will hold the position for a tenure of three years.

Warm Reception in Dhaka

Upon his arrival in Dhaka on the same day, Ambassador Pandey received a warm welcome from Abdul Motaleb Sarker, the Director General (SAARC & BIMSTEC) of the foreign ministry, along with other Directors of the BIMSTEC Secretariat. The reception highlighted the significance of the diplomatic ties and cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework.

Commitment to BIMSTEC’s Vision

Addressing Directors and members of the BIMSTEC Secretariat, Ambassador Pandey expressed his commitment to diligently work towards realizing the grand vision of BIMSTEC member states. Emphasizing a renewed vigor, he pledged to contribute towards the expansion and deepening of cooperation among member states, following the seven pillars of collaboration agreed upon by BIMSTEC leaders.

Distinguished Career in Diplomacy

As a career diplomat, Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey has been a part of the Indian Foreign Service since 1990. Before assuming the role of Secretary General at BIMSTEC, he served as the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva. His wealth of experience in international relations positions him well to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for BIMSTEC.

BIMSTEC: Fostering Regional Cooperation and Economic Collaboration

BIMSTEC, formed on the 6th of June 1997, comprises seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations and focuses on 14 priority sectors. Member states, dependent on the Bay of Bengal, include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The organization, akin to SAARC, is negotiating a free trade agreement, and leadership rotates alphabetically. The permanent secretariat is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Important Questions Related to Exams

1. When was BIMSTEC formed?

a) 6th of June 1996
b) 6th of June 1997
c) 6th of June 1998

2. How many member states does BIMSTEC have?

a) Five
b) Six
c) Seven

3. Which country does not belong to BIMSTEC among the following?

a) Maldives
b) Bhutan
c) Nepal

4. Where is the permanent secretariat of BIMSTEC located?

a) Colombo, Sri Lanka
b) Bangkok, Thailand
c) Dhaka, Bangladesh

5. How is the leadership position in BIMSTEC determined?

a) By election
b) By alphabetical rotation
c) By seniority

Kindly share your responses in the comment section.