New Delhi, 13 October 2026: The first historic meeting of BIMSTEC Home Ministers was organized in the capital Delhi with the aim of strengthening cooperation, economic integration and mutual security between neighboring countries. While addressing the inaugural session, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had clearly said that India always believes in peace and coexistence, but for regional security, all countries will have to fight unitedly against drugs and human trafficking. Describing hosting this meeting as a proud moment for India, the Home Minister said, “Today's meeting is proving to be a very important platform for regional integration and collective security. India has always moved forward with the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kumputakam' and has been committed to human welfare.”
Talking about India's foreign policy and defense approach, Amit Shah had emphatically said that the country has never tried to invade or establish dominance over any nation. He added, “We have always respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all other countries and emphasized the peaceful resolution of mutual differences.” Expressing concern over drug trafficking, which is one of the biggest global problems at present, the Home Minister termed it as a direct attack on the young generation. He said: Drug trafficking is not just a crime, but it is a direct attack on our society, culture and the lives of future generations. Illegal earnings from drug sales strengthen organized crimes and this money is used directly or indirectly to promote terrorist activities. Misuse of precursor chemicals and illegal financial transactions through the dark web are making this problem more complex, and efforts of one country alone are not enough to stop it.
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Collective cooperation is necessary to stop human trafficking
Apart from drugs, the Home Minister had also drawn attention to the serious issue of human trafficking. He said that all the member countries will have to work together to create a strong structure to accurately identify the victims, rescue them at the right time, make arrangements for their rehabilitation and safely send them back to their respective countries. Talking about the BIMSTEC organization on this occasion, Amit Shah said that in the sixth BIMSTEC summit held in Bangkok on April 4, 2025 last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear that this organization is not just a regional platform, but it is a model of all-inclusive development and security. It is now the responsibility of all the Home Ministers to translate this vision into concrete arrangements at the ground level.