Asian Confluence launched the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at the  Inaugural Session held on October 30, 2025, at the Asian Confluence Centre, Shillong. The Centre has been established with the aim of fostering research, dialogue, and collaboration on the shared future of the Bay of Bengal region.

H.E. Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), graced the occasion and delivered the Keynote Address. He praised the launch of the centre as a visionary step in advancing regional cooperation amid global challenges, highlighting shared developmental and security interests.

Shri C.S.R. Ram, Joint Secretary (BIMSTEC and SAARC), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, delivered the Special Remarks expressing the government’s focus on regional cooperation through policies such as Neighbourhood First, Act East, and the MAHASAGAR.

The Welcome and Special Remarks were given by Shri M.P. Bezbaruah, a former member of the North Eastern Council (NEC) and chairman of the Governing Council of Asian Confluence, and Dr R.K. Ranjan Singh, former Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, respectively.

Shri Prithvish Nag, Former Surveyor General of India and Advisor, Asian Confluence, gave a special presentation, emphasising the Bay of Bengal’s historic role in trade and cultural exchange.

The distinguished dignitaries launched the Inaugural Souvenir of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies, a compendium of articles exploring the various dimensions of the Bay of Bengal.

The inaugural programme was followed by a high-level panel discussion on the topic: “Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal: Envisioning a Resilient and Prosperous Future – Opportunities and Challenges.” The panellists offered rich and diverse perspectives on strengthening cooperation across the Bay of Bengal region. The discussion underscored the importance of fostering practical, commercially viable, and mutually beneficial partnerships to drive economic and social growth.

The esteemed panellists were: Smt Patricia Mukhim, Padma Shri & Editor, The Shillong Times; Shri C.S.R Ram, JS (BIMSTEC and SAARC), MEA; Shri Abe Noraike, Minister, Councilor Political, Embassy of Japan, India; Smt Preeti Rahman, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of Bangladesh, India; Shri Ambika Prasad Joshi, Councilor Minister, Nepal Embassy, India and Shri Tshewang Dorji, Director Bhutan, BIMSTEC.

Towards a Shared Future

Bridging South and Southeast Asia, the Bay of Bengal lies at the heart of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the BIMSTEC framework—offering vast opportunities for development, connectivity, and sustainable growth. The launch of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies marks a continuation of Asian Confluence’s mission to advance research-driven dialogue and regional cooperation across the Bay of Bengal. Through both online and in-person engagements with policymakers, businesses, universities, research institutions, and think tanks, the Centre seeks to enhance regional understanding, promote trust, and catalyse collective action on the manifold issues shaping the Bay of Bengal.