Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bangkok on April 3 to a warm welcome from the Indian community, engaging in discussions at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit aimed at enhancing India-Thailand relations.Key Takeaways
- PM Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora.
- He is in Thailand for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.
- Bilateral talks to strengthen India-Thailand relations are planned.
- PM Modi will visit Sri Lanka after Thailand.
- India plays a key role in BIMSTEC for regional cooperation.
Bangkok, April 3 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Bangkok on Thursday, receiving a heartfelt welcome from the Indian community, who greeted him with enthusiastic chants of 'Modi Modi' and 'Vande Mataram'.
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, along with numerous senior officials, was present to welcome PM Modi at the airport.
He is in Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, where he will interact with regional leaders on April 4 to deliberate on vital areas of collaboration.
Additionally, PM Modi plans to conduct bilateral discussions with the Thai leadership aimed at fortifying India-Thailand relations.
After his arrival, the Prime Minister will engage with the Indian diaspora, highlighting the profound cultural and economic connections between India and Thailand.
In his departure statement, PM Modi remarked, 'At the invitation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, I am departing today for Thailand on an official visit and to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.'
'Over the past decade, BIMSTEC has emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity, and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region.' He added that India’s North Eastern region is crucial to BIMSTEC.
Expressing excitement about engaging with BIMSTEC leaders, PM Modi stated, 'I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interests of our people in mind.'
During his official agenda in Thailand, he mentioned, 'I will have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a shared aspiration to elevate our long-standing historical ties, founded on a rich heritage of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought.'
Following Thailand, PM Modi's itinerary includes a visit to Sri Lanka.
'From Thailand, I will undertake a two-day visit to Sri Lanka from April 4-6. This follows the successful visit of President [Ranil] Wickremesinghe to India last December.' He added that they would review the progress made on the joint vision of 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future' and provide guidance to achieve their mutual objectives.
Expressing optimism regarding his travels, the Prime Minister stated, 'I am confident that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and enhance our close relationships for the benefit of our people and the wider region.'
India plays a central role in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), acting as a key driver of regional integration and cooperation. PM Modi's participation in the summit is anticipated to bolster India's leadership within this framework, reaffirming its commitment 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).
This grouping serves as an essential link between South Asia and Southeast Asia, with India being its largest and most influential member, shaping its agenda and promoting collaboration across various sectors.
