India hosted the BIMSTEC Youth Leadership Exchange Programme from April 25 to 30, 2026, in Bangalore, Karnataka, and Bhubaneswar, Odisha, aiming to empower over 70 emerging leaders from the Bay of Bengal region. This initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and emphasizes nurturing future-ready leaders through an approach that combines inner well-being with leadership skills. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that the programme encourages structured leadership development and exposure to regional issues, fostering collaborative problem-solving and community engagement. In addition to leadership training, there is a focus on enhancing economic cooperation within BIMSTEC, which encompasses trade and investment initiatives. The BIMSTEC Business Council is also working towards deeper trade integration and stronger supply chains, representing a USD 5 trillion opportunity for the region. Concurrently, cultural and sustainability initiatives are being prioritized to complement these efforts.