The BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit, hosted by India in Guwahati, Assam from September 9–11, underscored the vital role of youth in driving holistic and inclusive development across the Bay of Bengal region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.

The summit was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 21-point action plan, presented during the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand earlier this year, aimed at strengthening cooperation among member states.

More than 80 emerging leaders from all BIMSTEC countries participated, representing politics, business, civil society, and socio-cultural fields. The event was inaugurated by Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and organized in collaboration with the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

According to the MEA, discussions centered on “leadership for the 21st century” — promoting resilience, inclusivity, and responsiveness to diversity. Interactive sessions on entrepreneurship, design thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration encouraged participants to develop socially responsible, sustainable solutions.

Cultural exchanges and country-sharing activities further deepened mutual understanding, while the outcomes included improved communication and collaboration skills, innovative social business prototypes, and networks of trust that are expected to foster future cooperation.

The summit also emphasized the strategic importance of India’s Northeast as a “land bridge” connecting the socio-economic developmental corridor of the Bay of Bengal region. The initiative aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies.

By engaging youth leaders, the MEA noted, BIMSTEC aims to prepare the next generation to shape policies, address present challenges, and contribute to regional growth and prosperity.

Prime Minister Modi, sharing his vision on X, wrote: “BIMSTEC is an important forum to further global good. It is imperative we strengthen it and deepen our engagement.”