Thailand and India to Advance Relations to 'Strategic Partnership' During PM Modi's Visit
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Synopsis
Thailand has announced that its relations with India will be elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi's visit next week. Key discussions will include political, defense, trade, cultural cooperation, and regional geopolitical issues.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand and India to establish a Strategic Partnership.
- Discussions will cover various cooperation areas including trade and defense.
- Cultural ties and tourism will be emphasized.
- Formal welcoming ceremony planned for PM Modi on April 3.
- Leaders will address regional and global geopolitical matters.
Bangkok, March 28 (NationPress) On Friday, Thailand announced that it will upgrade its relations with India to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangkok next week.
In their discussions, PM Modi and his counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra will focus on enhancing relations and cooperation at the bilateral, multilateral, and regional levels.
"The upgrade to a strategic partnership will be proclaimed during the official visit of the Indian Prime Minister, aiming to bolster closer ties between Thailand and India across all sectors," stated Jirayu Houngsub, spokesperson for the Thai government.
PM Shinawatra and his cabinet will host a formal welcoming ceremony for PM Modi at the Government House on April 3, followed by a plenary meeting, a signing ceremony for agreements and MoUs, a joint press conference, and a luncheon in honor of the Indian Prime Minister hosted by the Thai PM.
The two leaders will explore methods to enhance bilateral relations and broaden cooperation in various domains such as political and defense matters, trade and investment, connectivity, science and technology, and innovation, including space technology where India excels.
Cultural cooperation, a vital aspect of Thailand-India relations, will also be a topic with an emphasis on people-to-people connections and tourism. Both leaders will discuss regional and global geopolitical issues of mutual interest and collaboration within multilateral frameworks, as stated by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Recently, PM Modi had a brief meeting with Shinawatra during the 44th and 45th ASEAN and Related Summits in Vientiane last October. They talked about bilateral cooperation and explored opportunities for closer collaboration in sub-regional, regional, and multilateral settings, including the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
In November 2019, PM Modi visited Thailand, accompanied by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, to attend the 16th ASEAN and Related Summits. During this visit, PM Modi addressed a community event named 'Sawasdee PM Modi,' which attracted around 5,000 members of the Indian community. Previously, he visited Bangkok to pay respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in November 2016.
India and Thailand have a long history of warm and friendly relations. The establishment of diplomatic ties occurred in 1947, and both nations celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2022.
"The bilateral relationship is multifaceted, encompassing various fields such as trade and investment, defense and security, connectivity, culture and tourism, education, science and technology, and exchanges between people. Moreover, Thailand's 'Act West' policy complements India's 'Act East' policy," the MEA noted.
