India pushes to link South Asia with South East Asia via BIMSTEC

India is spearheading efforts to enhance connectivity between South Asia and SE Asia through BIMSTEC, starting with a Foreign Ministers meeting ahead of the Summit in Bangkok. India is hosting the BIMSTEC Ministerial and NSA meetings, planning a Business summit, and establishing three centres of excellence, including one on maritime transport. China's growing presence in the Bay of Bengal region is raising security concerns for India, the primary security provider in the area.