India Signs Host Country Agreement to Establish BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru

Introduction to the BIMSTEC Energy Centre: India signed the Host Country Agreement for setting up the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru, which is a major step towards advancing energy cooperation across the Bay of Bengal and surrounding littoral regions. The initiative aims to improve energy integration, especially through inter-grid connectivity, within the BIMSTEC member nations.

Key Details of the Agreement

The agreement was signed between Jaideep Mazumder, Secretary (East), and Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC. This collaboration highlights India’s commitment to strengthening regional energy ties and accelerating joint energy projects in South Asia and Southeast Asia. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the BIMSTEC Energy Centre will be located within the Central Power Research Institute premises in Bengaluru.

Significance of BIMSTEC Energy Centre

The BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC) will act as a hub for fostering energy cooperation among the BIMSTEC member states, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. These seven nations collectively represent a population of 1.73 billion people and an economic output of USD 5.2 trillion as of 2023.

Main Functions of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre

1. Facilitating Regional Energy Cooperation: The Centre will coordinate and promote energy projects across BIMSTEC countries. It will focus on sharing experiences, best practices, and capacity-building initiatives.
2. Data Management and Analysis: One of the key roles of the Centre will be to create and manage an energy database relevant to the region. It will analyze ongoing energy activities and suggest strategic roadmaps for regional projects.
3. Supporting Energy Projects: The BEC will conduct feasibility studies, collect crucial data, and lay the groundwork for regional energy initiatives. This includes assessing the viability of inter-grid connectivity and energy-sharing frameworks.
4. Networking and Collaboration: Establishing networks among national-level energy institutions is a priority. The Centre will prepare frameworks for collaboration to ensure seamless communication and resource sharing.
5. Policy Research and Dissemination: The Centre will review and disseminate energy policies of BIMSTEC nations, providing insights into energy reforms, regulations, and efficiency standards.
6. Serving as the Secretariat: The Centre will also serve as the Secretariat for the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection Coordination Committee, playing a crucial role in energy governance.

Background on BIMSTEC

What is BIMSTEC?

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization that unites five South Asian and two Southeast Asian nations: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Established on June 6, 1997, BIMSTEC focuses on promoting cooperation in 14 priority sectors, including energy, security, and trade.

Recent Developments

In July 2023, the Foreign Ministers of BIMSTEC countries met in New Delhi to discuss pressing issues such as security, connectivity, and economic collaboration. These meetings pave the way for initiatives like the BIMSTEC Energy Centre, emphasizing regional stability and development.

Conclusion

The establishment of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru marks a significant milestone for energy integration in the Bay of Bengal region. By promoting energy efficiency, policy alignment, and infrastructure connectivity, this initiative is expected to deliver long-term benefits to all BIMSTEC member states.

Stay updated for more developments as BIMSTEC continues to shape energy cooperation in Asia, contributing to a more sustainable and interconnected future.

Here are some MCQs based on the article:

1. Where will the BIMSTEC Energy Centre be established?
   A) Mumbai
   B) Kolkata
   C) Bengaluru
   D) New Delhi
   
   Answer: C) Bengaluru
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2. Which organization did India sign the Host Country Agreement with for setting up the BIMSTEC Energy Centre?
   A) ASEAN
   B) SAARC
   C) United Nations
   D) BIMSTEC
   
   Answer: D) BIMSTEC
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3. What is one of the primary functions of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre?
   A) Conducting space research
   B) Promoting regional energy cooperation
   C) Managing tourism initiatives
   D) Overseeing agricultural development
   
   Answer: B) Promoting regional energy cooperation
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4. In which premises will the BIMSTEC Energy Centre be housed?
   A) Indian Space Research Organisation
   B) Central Power Research Institute
   C) Bengaluru International Airport
   D) National Energy Institute
   
   Answer: B) Central Power Research Institute
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5. How many member countries are part of BIMSTEC?
   A) Five
   B) Six
   C) Seven
   D) Eight
   
   Answer: C) Seven
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6. What is one of the goals of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre regarding energy data?
   A) To develop a tourism database
   B) To create and manage an energy-related database
   C) To build a financial resource database
   D) To monitor global population data
   
   Answer: B) To create and manage an energy-related database
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7. When was BIMSTEC established?
   A) June 6, 1997
   B) May 15, 1990
   C) March 12, 2000
   D) August 21, 1985
   
   Answer: A) June 6, 1997
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8. Where is the permanent Secretariat of BIMSTEC located?
   A) Kathmandu, Nepal
   B) Dhaka, Bangladesh
   C) New Delhi, India
   D) Colombo, Sri Lanka
   
   Answer: B) Dhaka, Bangladesh
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9. Which of the following countries is NOT a member of BIMSTEC?
   A) Thailand
   B) Bhutan
   C) Pakistan
   D) Sri Lanka
   
   Answer: C) Pakistan
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10. What major meeting took place in July 2023 involving BIMSTEC member nations?
    A) Informal meeting of Foreign Ministers
    B) Global Economic Summit
    C) South Asia Trade Conference
    D) ASEAN Regional Forum
    
    Answer: A) Informal meeting of Foreign Ministers
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