BIMSTEC Secretary General, H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, addressed Plenary Session 3 of the 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) held in Mauritius from April 10-12, 2026. In the discussion, SG highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and the role being played by BIMSTEC in maritime cooperation in Bay of Bengal region. Organized by the India Foundation, in collaboration with the Governments of Mauritius and India, the conference brought together leaders from Indian Ocean region to deliberate on "Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance."