Rise of sub-regionalism in South Asia: A study of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) Initiative and Nepal

Abstract

Sub-regionalism in a simple term refers to cooperation and integration among a group of countries within a larger region. It involves the creation of mechanisms to facilitate economic, political, and social interactions among the member countries. Sub-regionalism, driven by narrow and focused goals, is often seen as a stepping stone towards greater regional integration, as it can help to build trust and cooperation among member countries, and create a foundation for more comprehensive cooperation. Over the past few years, there has been a shift towards sub-regional groupings within the larger multilateral regional grouping. In South Asia, one such sub-regional grouping is Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN). BBIN, formed in 2014, aims to foster greater cooperation among the member countries on a range of issues including trade, transportation, energy, and the environment. Four eastern South Asian signed an BBIN Motor-Vehicular Agreement (BBIN MVA) in 2015 to allow seamless movement of people and vehicles among the signatory countries. BBIN countries are attempting to strengthen trade ties amongst themselves through various connectivity endeavours. Bhutan has not ratified the agreement but encouraged the other three to approve and engage in the pact. Three nations are now responsible for fully implementing the accord. The BBIN Initiative is getting immense attention at present from the perspective of geopolitics, geo-economy, and geographical contiguity. However, there are still issues with the agreement's implementation, which calls for greater consideration. This thesis attempts to explain the factors, motivations and drivers behind the formation of BBIN as well as the impact on the member countries and broader region. Furthermore, it examines areas of possible collaboration as well as past efforts at sub-regional cooperation. Lastly, the study attempts to study how Nepal’s participation in such sub-regional forums can result in the much-needed resolution to Nepal's connectivity-related issues. The sub-regional cooperation has the promise to ease Nepal's connectivity issues and aid in the country's economic integration with the rest of the world. Opportunities are immense for Nepal but challenges are no less. Nepal needs to be free from political issues and work on to implement the high priority infrastructure and connectivity projects to reap the benefits that BBIN offers. Keywords: South Asia, Sub-regionalism, Nepal