Bangkok, April 3 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday experienced 'Ramakien', the Thai adaptation of the Ramayan, upon his arrival in Bangkok, highlighting the profound cultural connections between India and Thailand.

He was welcomed in the Southeast Asian nation with an extravagant reception by the Indian community, who showered him with enthusiastic chants of 'Modi Modi' and 'Vande Mataram'.

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Suriya Jungrungreangkit, alongside several senior officials, welcomed PM Modi at the airport.

Upon his arrival at the hotel, he was treated to a traditional Garba performance, a folk dance originating from his home state of Gujarat. Numerous members of the Indian diaspora, adorned in traditional garb, gathered extensively to receive him, with significant representation from the Sikh, Garhwali, and Gujarati communities.

PM Modi is present in Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, where he will meet with regional leaders on April 4 to deliberate on critical areas of collaboration.

He is also scheduled to have bilateral discussions with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to bolster the longstanding historical and strategic relations between India and Thailand.

After his arrival, PM Modi shared on X, 'Landed in Bangkok, Thailand. Eagerly anticipating my upcoming official engagements and the opportunity to strengthen the bonds of cooperation between India and Thailand.'

In his departing statement, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the BIMSTEC platform. 'Over the past decade, BIMSTEC has become a vital forum for fostering regional development, connectivity, and economic advancement in the Bay of Bengal region. India's North Eastern region is at the core of BIMSTEC due to its geographical positioning.'

Expressing his enthusiasm for the summit, he remarked, 'I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging constructively to further enhance our collaboration with the welfare of our people in mind.'

Regarding his official activities in Thailand, PM Modi noted, 'During my visit, I will have the chance to interact with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, united by a common goal to elevate our ancient historical connections based on shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual ideologies.'

Following his engagements in Thailand, PM Modi will head to Sri Lanka for the next phase of his journey.

India plays a crucial role in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), acting as a primary catalyst for regional integration and collaboration. PM Modi's participation in the summit is anticipated to further boost India's leadership within this framework, reaffirming its dedication to enhancing cooperation and progress.

BIMSTEC is a regional alliance consisting of seven member states in the Bay of Bengal area—five from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar and Thailand).

It acts as an essential link between South Asia and Southeast Asia, with India being its largest and most influential member, steering the group's agenda and fostering cooperation across various sectors.