India, April 3 -- Bimstec should adopt a more ambitious approach at a time of global churn that is creating a new order which is more regional and agenda-specific, external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar told a meeting of the seven-member Indian Ocean bloc soon after the US unveiled its regime of reciprocal tariffs.

Addressing a meeting of foreign ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) in Bangkok on Thursday, Jaishankar emphasised the central role of India, especially its landlocked northeastern region, in forging transport and connectivity linkages.

The meeting was part of the preparations for the Bimstec Summit on Friday, and was held hours after US President Dona...