Kochi hosted the first BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network:
Kochi hosted the first BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference to boost blue economy cooperation.
- BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network Conference is a biennial regional platform for facilitating collaboration among the researchers in the Bay of Bengal Region, sustainable development of blue economy by networking the researchers in the BIMSTEC Member Countries.
- It was first announced by the Prime Minister of India during the Colombo BIMSTEC Summit in 2022.
- It was launched in 2024 by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
- BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network Conference has connected 25 institutions and over 50 researchers from BIMSTEC countries.
- It aligns with India’s broader regional policy objectives under its Neighbourhood First, Act East, Indo-Pacific and MAHASAGAR
- It served as a milestone in advancing regional cooperation in marine research and sustainable blue economy initiatives.
- It focused on marine challenges, ecosystem health, and research innovations, including building scientific networks among young researchers, effective marine resource management and harmonious policy development.
