Consider the following statements in respect of BIMSTEC:
I. It is a regional organization consisting of seven member States till January
2025.
II. It came into existence with the signing of the Dhaka Declaration,
1999.
III. Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding member States of BIMSTEC.
IV. In BIMSTEC, the subsector of ‘tourism’ is being led by India.
- A.I and II only
- B.II and III only
- C.I and IV only
- D.I only
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. I only
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is indeed a regional grouping with seven member states. It was established on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration, making the Dhaka Declaration of 1999 a subsequent event, not its origin. While Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand were founding members, Nepal joined later. India leads the subsector of trade, facilitation and investment, not tourism.
Source: UPSC gs1 2025