New Delhi, July 16 -- AKM Shamsul Islam, Defence Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister, hailed India's leadership role in advancing the security cooperation among BIMSTEC countries and urged deepening collaboration for enhanced maritime and cyber security.

He made the remarks at the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisor's Meeting here in New Delhi on Friday.

Islam said, "I commend India, as the Lead Country for the Security Sector, for its sustained leadership in advancing BIMSTEC security cooperation. Bangladesh remains committed to working closely with all Member States to translate our shared security vision into practical and measurable cooperation."

He underlined the importance of the grouping, noting how nearly 1.7 billion people ...