Secretary General, BIMSTEC Launches CUTS Compendium On Trade & Investment

New Delhi, Jul 21 (KNN) CUTS International launched its flagship publication, “The Innovative Route to Development: Indo-Pacific Perspective”, in a virtual event attended by senior diplomats, defence experts, development practitioners, and policy leaders from across the Indo-Pacific.

Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, unveiled the compendium and delivered the keynote address.

He emphasized the Indo-Pacific's growing significance in a multipolar world and its long-standing role in securing the development interests of countries.

Highlighting strategic diversity in the region, he noted that countries like China, Russia, the EU, and ASEAN have developed distinct Indo-Pacific strategies, all of which stress regional centrality.

Pradeep S. Mehta, Secretary General of CUTS International, described the region as dynamic and diverse, with immense potential to shape the global future.

Contributors like Ambassador Pasi-Heikki Vaaranmaa from Finland highlighted the need for investment in human development, education, and innovation.

The compendium explores key themes across four pillars: trade & investment, defence & security, technology & innovation, and energy & climate change.

Over 30 experts have contributed to this public resource, offering in-depth insights into the region’s geoeconomics and strategic landscape.

Speakers also included Rajinder Singh Bhatia from Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd., who emphasised the rise of India’s export-led defence industry, and Kim Heriot-Darragh of the Australia-India Institute, who spoke on integrated civil-military cooperation.

Other notable contributors discussed themes such as India–U.S. technological convergence, ancient Indian values in modern geopolitics, and support for startups and innovation across the region.

CUTS International reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a rules-based, inclusive regional order through knowledge-sharing and policy engagement.

(KNN Bureau)