India has called for stronger regional healthcare partnerships, improved health outcomes and shared prosperity, reaffirming its commitment to building a healthier, safer and more resilient BIMSTEC region.
The message was underscored by Union Health Minister JP Nadda during the First BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo, which brought together Health Ministers and senior representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Chaired by Sri Lanka's Minister of Health and Mass Media, Nalinda Jayatissa, the landmark meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation on public health priorities.
In a major outcome, the participating countries unanimously adopted a Joint Ministerial Statement, reaffirming their decision to hold BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meetings and Senior Officials’ Meetings every two years. The move is aimed at ensuring sustained dialogue, stronger coordination and effective follow-up on shared regional health priorities.
Thailand's offer to host the Second BIMSTEC Health Ministers’ Meeting in 2028 was also welcomed.
Concluding his address, Nadda thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for hosting the historic meeting and reiterated India's commitment to advancing collective health security across the BIMSTEC region.
Emphasising the need for inclusive and equitable healthcare, he said, “No country should be left behind in its pursuit of better health outcomes.”
The meeting also advanced a common regional public health roadmap, while India's commitment to hosting a Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine emerged as another important step towards deepening regional healthcare cooperation.
During his visit, Nadda also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in Colombo, recognising their significant contribution to strengthening the longstanding friendship and people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Addressing the gathering, he highlighted India's remarkable progress over the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in healthcare, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals, medical research and technological advancement.
He stressed that India's expanding capabilities present substantial opportunities to deepen cooperation with Sri Lanka across healthcare, education, digital transformation and economic development.
Highlighting India's Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies, Nadda said these initiatives have further strengthened India's enduring partnership with Sri Lanka, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to regional stability, development and prosperity.
He also praised the Indian diaspora for its vital role in fostering mutual understanding, strengthening cultural connections and acting as a bridge between the two nations.
The BIMSTEC meeting was accompanied by significant bilateral healthcare engagements with Sri Lanka and Nepal, further reinforcing India's commitment to expanding regional health partnerships.
The unanimous adoption of the Joint Ministerial Statement, progress towards a common public health roadmap, the proposed Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine and enhanced bilateral healthcare cooperation collectively signal a stronger push towards regional health security.
The engagements underscore India's broader vision of translating diplomatic partnerships and regional cooperation into tangible healthcare benefits for people across the region.
Guided by the principle of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” India has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development, stronger regional partnerships and shared prosperity.
