The article, “BIMSTEC's energy landscape: Present achievements and future aspirations,” published in the Financial Express, examines why the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a formidable option for bolstering energy cooperation and addressing the energy needs of its member states. It puts forth that regional energy cooperation within BIMSTEC is characterized by a collaborative vision within the BIMSTEC region, one that aims to leverage shared energy resources and promote sustainable development. The article highlights several points, including the following: 

• BIMSTEC offers a collaborative platform for fostering resilience, sustainability, and self-reliance. 
• BIMSTEC is finalizing instruments, such as the BIMSTEC Energy Master Plan, the BIMSTEC Policy for Transmission of Electricity, and the Policy for Trade, Exchange of Electricity, and Tariff Mechanism, that can help in effective implementation of inter-grid connection. 
• The BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection Coordination Committee has been mandated to coordinate the implementation of grid interconnections and electricity trade. The Memorandum of Understanding for establishing the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection was signed on 31 August 2018. A decision was also reached to initiate a BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection Master Plan Study, with support from development partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB).  
• BIMSTEC countries collaborate extensively in cross-border connectivity and infrastructure development, such as cross-border power trade between Bangladesh and India, Bhutan and India, and India and Nepal. BIMSTEC member countries have further plans to strengthen and expand power grid interconnections, making the future outlook within the BIMSTEC framework optimistic. Anticipated developments include establishing transmission lines, upgrades, and cross-border connections to facilitate enhanced energy trade and cooperation. 

Read the full article. 

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BIMSTEC's energy landscape: Present achievements and future aspirations