The Blue Economy (BE) is a resonant theme among Bay of Bengal states. Despite recent efforts by governments in the region to promote blue growth, however, there is yet no comprehensive, region-wide agenda for marine governance. This brief looks at ways in which Bay states can harmonise their BE approaches to develop an integrated strategy. By collectively investing in technology, innovation, and governance systems, the governments of these littoral states can find the balance between the need for environmental sustainability and the pursuit of development imperatives. In recent years, Blue Economy’ (BE) has emerged as a new paradigm for coastal management and development of marine resources. The concept, based on the idea of a healthy ocean supporting productive and sustainable ecosystems, is bringing about an integration of ocean activities with the principles of social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and innovative, dynamic business models. BE’s central proposition is that the ecological health and productivity of marine and coastal ecosystems can be increased by shifting to a more sustainable economic model that taps their national potential from generating renewable energy and promoting ecotourism, to sustainable fisheries and transport. The idea involves a transition from a conventional economy to a Blue’ or sustainable economy in the marine space involving significant investment. While promising, however, BE has risks and challenges. In the Indian Ocean Region, enthusiasm for BE has been palpable. At the third ministerial conference of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in Dhaka in 2019, participants unanimously called for sustainable use of the blue economy resources. The Dhaka Declaration included ideas, principles and norms of BE, to ensure a balanced approach between conservation and development emphasising food and nutrition security, mitigation and adaptation of climate change, and generation of sustainable and inclusive livelihoods. Similarly, BE cooperation has been a focal point of interest for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the high-level multilateral grouping of states in the region. At the 4th ministerial summit in Kathmandu in September 2018, BIMSTEC leaders agreed to establish an Inter-governmental Expert Group to develop an action plan on BE, keeping in mind the particular needs and circumstances of individual member states. Regional capitals have stressed the need for sustainable practices in harvesting the resources of the sea, flagging the potential risks of rampant exploitation of marine wealth…. Full document is available at: https://www.orfonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ORF_IssueBrief_411_BIMSTEC-BlueEconomy.pdf