Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today warned about the evolving threat of terrorism in the BIMSTEC region and sought stronger cooperation from the seven-nation grouping to effectively counter it. Dr.Singh asserted that their security is indivisible.

In a statement at the 3rd BIMSTEC Summit at Nay Pyi Taw, Dr.Singh stressed, the nature of the evolving threat of terrorism in the BIMSTEC region has imparted greater urgency for stronger cooperation to counter it. The Prime Minister said, as part of this effort, the grouping must seek early
ratification of the Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking as also expediting signing of the
BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

He said,negotiations should be commencedon a BIMSTEC Convention on Extradition.
Dr.Singh said, region faces many common challenges – from natural disasters
to terrorism which have to be collectively addressed to make
an important contribution to peace, harmony, security and prosperity in Asia and the world.
The seven members – India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal – bring together over 20
per cent of the world population, which is about 1.5 billion,and a GDP of over 2.5 trillion dollars.
The Prime Minister also spoke of the many opportunities that BIMSTEC countries share in the fields of trade, economic cooperation and connectivity, saying all of this presage a
bright future for us.