Amit Shah urges BIMSTEC nations to increase counter-terrorism cooperation

At the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting, Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah called for enhanced regional cooperation to combat terrorism, organized crime, and narcotics smuggling. Shah emphasized that no country in the region should serve as a safe haven for terrorist groups, training centers, or funding operations. He urged member states to ensure their security arrangements account for the safety of their neighbors.

Shah advocated for a ‘whole-of-region approach’ to address drug trafficking, which he described as ‘death trafficking,’ noting that illegal drug proceeds often fund organized crime and terrorism. He also highlighted the need for collective action against human trafficking, cybercrime, and financial fraud. To strengthen security, he recommended the timely exchange of actionable intelligence through existing channels and emphasized working within national laws and existing agreements to bring criminals to justice.