Archive · 7 Nov 2025
India Hosts First BIMReN Conference for Bay of Bengal Marine Cooperation
Imagine a big meeting about the ocean in a place called the Bay of Bengal.
Countries in this area, along with India, are working together to study the sea better and use its resources wisely.
They want to help young scientists connect and share ideas, like a team of ocean researchers.
This is part of a program called BIMReN, which India started.
It helps different countries' universities work together, like offering special study programs.
The goal is to protect the ocean, make sure there are plenty of fish for everyone, and help the environment.
This effort also fits into India's bigger plan to work closely with its neighbors and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
It's all about making the ocean healthy and useful for a long time.
India hosted the first biennial conference of the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) in Kochi to enhance Blue Economy cooperation.
The conference aimed to advance regional cooperation in marine research, sustainable blue economy, and marine challenges.
BIMReN, launched by India's MEA in 2024, facilitates institutional collaborations through research grants and PhD fellowships.
The initiative aligns with India's Neighbourhood First, Act East, Indo-Pacific, and MAHASAGAR strategies.
The Bay of Bengal is significant for global fisheries, accounting for 6% of the world's fish catch and a substantial portion of the global fishing fleet.
- Who
- India, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), BIMSTEC countries, researchers, institutions
- What
- Hosted the first biennial conference of the BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) to boost cooperation in marine research and sustainable blue economy initiatives in the Bay of Bengal.
- When
- November 4-6, announced on Friday
- Where
- Kochi, India
- Why
- To advance regional cooperation in marine research, sustainable blue economy initiatives, build scientific networks, improve marine resource management, and foster harmonious policy development, aligning with India's broader regional policies.
Focus on Regional Marine Research Cooperation
Emphasis on India's Broader Geopolitical Strategies
Primary Objective of BIMReN
Focus on Regional Marine Research Cooperation
To advance regional cooperation in marine research, sustainable blue economy, ecosystem health, and foster scientific networks among young researchers through institutional collaborations like twinning research grants and PhD fellowships.
Emphasis on India's Broader Geopolitical Strategies
To strengthen collective research in marine sciences as part of India's larger foreign policy objectives, including Neighbourhood First, Act East, Indo-Pacific, and MAHASAGAR strategies.
Impact and Scope
Focus on Regional Marine Research Cooperation
Aims to improve marine resource management, policy development, and address marine challenges within the Bay of Bengal region, with BIMReN having connected 25 institutions and over 50 researchers.
Emphasis on India's Broader Geopolitical Strategies
BIMReN is seen as a testament to India's commitment to sustainable fisheries management and aligns with Prime Minister Modi's proposals for revitalizing BIMSTEC and deepening engagement for global good.
- Event
- First Biennial Conference of BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN)
- Host Country
- India
- Location
- Kochi
- Dates
- November 4-6
- Initiative Launched
- BIMReN launched in 2024 by MEA
- BIMReN Fellowship Type
- Twinning research grants and split-site PhD fellowships
- Bay of Bengal Significance
- Accounts for 6% of world's fish catch; over a third of world's fishing fleet
Sources
MECoS 4 urges ecosystem-based marine management and women-led blue economy growth
Call to explore sound based technology to track marine mammals
India hosts first biennial conference of BIMReN to boost cooperation in Bay of Bengal
