Which BIMSTEC members are NOT participating in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) India and Bhutan.
· India and Bhutan are the two BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) member countries that have chosen not to participate in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
· India has expressed concerns over the BRI, particularly regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Bhutan, on the other hand, has not engaged with the BRI due to its close strategic relationship with India and its cautious approach towards Chinese projects.
Information Booster:
· Nepal and Myanmar: Both are participating in the BRI and have signed agreements with China for infrastructure development projects under this initiative.
· India and Myanmar: Myanmar is a part of the BRI, and India has opted out.
· India and Nepal: Nepal is part of the BRI, while India is not.
Additional Information:
· BIMSTEC: An international organization comprising seven member countries: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan, aimed at promoting regional cooperation.
· Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):
· Launched by China in 2013, the BRI aims to enhance global trade and stimulate economic growth across Asia and beyond through a network of infrastructure projects.
· The initiative has two main components: the Silk Road Economic Belt (land-based) and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (sea-based).