India hosts BIMSTEC Young Professionals Exchange Programme in Maharashtra from 9 to 15 March 2026

Key facts

• India hosted the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Young Professionals Exchange Programme in Maharashtra from 9 to 15 March 2026.
• The programme brought together 30 young innovators, technology developers, and entrepreneurs from BIMSTEC member countries.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the initiative aimed to promote knowledge exchange and provide exposure to India’s innovation, start-up, and research ecosystems.
• The exchange programme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to strengthen engagement among the youth of the Bay of Bengal region.
• Participants called on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who highlighted the state’s potential as a platform for international partnerships in technology.