The seven-nation BIMSTEC group adopted a convention to combat terrorism and insurgency, which is expected to strengthen India's efforts against militancy in its northeast region. Foreign ministers from India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, and Nepal signed the Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Trans-National Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking at the 12th BIMSTEC Ministerial meeting in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Additionally, the ministers agreed to include climate change as a key area of cooperation for the BIMSTEC countries. Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating terrorism and trans-national organized crime during the inauguration of the ministerial meeting. The Prime Minister of Myanmar highlighted terrorism in his inaugural address, making it a significant topic for discussion. Regional connectivity was a key focus at the BIMSTEC foreign ministers' summit, with plans to address connectivity issues in the region. Transport ministers of member countries will work on devising a route plan for connectivity in future meetings. The economic bloc was formed in 1997 by member states including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Its connectivity strategy aims to connect six South Asian nations with South East Asian countries like Thailand and Myanmar. This plan serves as an alternate method for integrating the South Asian region, excluding Pakistan and Afghanistan.