Bangkok, April 3 (NationPress) India and Thailand have officially decided to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership following comprehensive discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Government House in Bangkok.

The two leaders engaged in talks covering various aspects of bilateral collaboration and subsequently witnessed the signing of several pivotal agreements that invigorate the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

Among the agreements was a Joint Declaration establishing the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership, along with a MoU signed between Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology aimed at fostering cooperation in digital technologies.

Another significant MoU was signed between the Sagarmala Division of India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Thailand's Fine Arts Department, under the Ministry of Culture, for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

A further MoU was established between India's National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) and Thailand's Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) to enhance collaboration in the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector.

The signing also included two additional crucial MoUs: one between the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and another between India's North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC) and Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA).

During his remarks, PM Modi stated that India's 'Act East' policy aligns well with Thailand's 'Act West' approach, creating numerous opportunities for collaboration across various fields.

"We have stressed the importance of cooperation in tourism, culture, and education between Thailand and the North-Eastern states of India. Discussions also revolved around enhancing mutual trade, investment, and business interactions. Agreements have been made to boost cooperation in the realms of MSME, handloom, and handicrafts," PM Modi declared during a joint press briefing with the Thai Prime Minister.

"We have opted to reinforce cooperation in renewable energy, digital technology, e-vehicles, robotics, space, biotechnology, and start-ups. Both nations will also enhance physical connectivity and work to improve FinTech connectivity," he added.

The Prime Minister indicated that discussions were centered on enhancing the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership, particularly in crucial sectors like defence, security, maritime safety, and hydrography.

"We reaffirmed our commitment to collaborate against challenges such as terrorism, money laundering, and more," PM Modi remarked.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi also conveyed solidarity with the Thai populace following the recent earthquake.

PM Modi reiterated India's full support for ASEAN unity and its central role.

"In the Indo-Pacific region, we advocate for a free, open, inclusive, and rule-based order. We are committed to a policy of development rather than expansionism," PM Modi concluded.