<h1>External Affairs Minister Calls for Regional Self-Reliance as World Enters Era of Self-Help at BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting</h1> Amid global economic uncertainty and recent US tariff announcements, the External Affairs Minister stated at the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial that the world is entering an era of self-help where regions must prioritize their own interests. The minister emphasized that shorter supply chains and immediate neighbors have greater importance in today's volatile global order. The BIMSTEC Summit occurs as Prime Minister Modi prepares to join regional leaders to sign the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation. India views BIMSTEC as combining three key initiatives: Act East Policy, Neighbourhood First approach, and MAHA-SAGAR outlook. The minister noted that India's northeastern region is developing as a connectivity hub for BIMSTEC countries.