From UPI linking to Bimstec games: PM Modi presents 21-point action plan in Thailand summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid out a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of cooperation among the BIMSTEC nations. The prime minister is on a state visit to Thailand where he took part in the 6th edition of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. While addressing the regional bloc, PM Modi laid out his vision to boost business across BIMSTEC nations and harness the rich potential of the IT sector.

In light of the devastating earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, the prime minister urged the nations to work together in the field of disaster management. He also spoke about the role of youth who will take the lead in the future and said that it is them who will “energise BIMSTEC”.

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In a post on X, he wrote: “BIMSTEC is an important forum to further global good. It is imperative we strengthen it and deepen our engagement. In this context, I proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of our cooperation.” One of the key points in the Prime Minister’s agenda was linking India’s UPI with the payment systems of the member nations, a move that could boost trade, business and tourism within the region. Here’s a look at the prime minister’s overall plan.

BIMSTEC is an important forum to further global good. It is imperative we strengthen it and deepen our engagement. In this context, I proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of our cooperation. pic.twitter.com/6lsTbLwAGc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025

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What is PM Modi’s 21-point Action Plan?

PM Modi’s 21-point Action Plan, which he proposed at this year’s BIMSTEC Summit is divided into 7 categories. They are as follows:

1. Business

• Establishment of the BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce

• Organization of the BIMSTEC Business Summit every year

• A feasibility study on the possibilities of trade in local currency in the BMISTEC region

2. IT

• A pilot study to understand the needs of BIMSTEC countries to share the experience of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

• Connectivity between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and payment systems in the BIMSTEC region.

3. Mitigation and Disaster Management 

• Establishing BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India. This Centre will cooperate in disaster management, relief and rehabilitation.

• The fourth joint exercise between BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities will be held in India this year.

4. Security & Space

• Holding the first meeting of the Home Ministers’ Mechanism in India

• Setting up ground stations for manpower training for BIMSTEC countries manufacturing and launching of Nano Satellites and use of remote sensing data.

5. Training & Capacity Building

• BODHI, i.e., BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure initiative. Under this, 300 youth from BIMSTEC counties will be trained in India every year.

• Scholarships to BIMSTEC students in the Forest Research Institute of India and Nalanda University.

• Training Programme every year for young diplomats from BIMSTEC countries.

• Tata Memorial Centre will support training and capacity building in cancer care in BIMSTEC countries.

• Establishment of a Centre of Excellence for research and dissemination in traditional medicine and a Centre of Excellence in India for the exchange of knowledge and best practices, research and capacity building for the benefit of farmers.

6. Energy & Youth Engagement

• The BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru has commenced working.

• Faster work on electric grid interconnection.

• BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit will be held this year and the BIMSTEC Hackathon and Young Professional Visitors programme will be launched.

• To hold the BIMSTEC Athletic Meet in India this year.

• Hosting the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027.

7. Connectivity & Culture

• BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival will be held in India this year.

• Establishment of Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India. This Centre will work to enhance coordination in capacity building, research, innovation and maritime policies.

After the summit in Thailand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be embarking on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka.