Milan Bahadur Chettri makes history as first Indian Nepali-speaking journalist to cover BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok
During his assignment in Bangkok, Chettri also secured exclusive interviews with influential regional stakeholders, including the Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce of both Thailand and Nepal.
LOCAL
Milan Bahadur Chettri has etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian Nepali-speaking journalist to officially cover the BIMSTEC Summit, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from April 2 to 4, 2025. This marks a significant achievement not only for Indian journalism but also for the wider Nepali-speaking community across the subcontinent.
The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit this year received worldwide attention, particularly in light of the devastating earthquake that recently struck Myanmar. One of the key highlights of the summit was India’s timely and large-scale humanitarian response under the "Burma Mission", which was widely acknowledged by regional leaders. Chettri’s reporting offered in-depth insight into this mission and India’s growing role in regional disaster relief.
On April 3, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the summit, presenting India’s vision for a united and resilient region. His presence reinforced the importance of BIMSTEC as a platform for strengthening cooperation among member nations, and Chettri captured the essence of these discussions through ground reports and analysis.
During his assignment in Bangkok, Chettri also secured exclusive interviews with influential regional stakeholders, including the Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce of both Thailand and Nepal. These interviews added valuable perspectives on cross-border trade and economic partnerships.
Chettri’s presence at the BIMSTEC Summit follows a string of prestigious assignments. In 2024 alone, he reported from the BRICS Summit in Russia, the COP30 Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the Bangladesh General Elections, where he served as a foreign observer. Prior to that, he covered the G20 Summits in India (2023) and Brazil (2024), cementing his reputation as one of India’s most prominent journalists in the international diplomatic space.
What makes Chettri’s achievement all the more remarkable is his steady rise as a representative of Nepali-speaking media professionals, a group that has long been underrepresented on the global stage. His work is seen as a source of pride and inspiration for aspiring journalists from minority and regional language backgrounds.