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
- B.II and III
- C.I and IV
- D.I only
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. I only
BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, was established in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration, not the Dhaka Declaration. While it currently has seven member states, the formation of the organization and its evolution over time are crucial points. The Dhaka Declaration of 1999 was related to SAARC, not BIMSTEC's inception. The leadership of subsectors within BIMSTEC is also distributed among member states, with India leading several, but not exclusively tourism. Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are founding members, Nepal joined later.
Source: UPSC gs1 2025