PM Modi Embarks on State Visit to Thailand for 6th BIMSTEC Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Thailand on Thursday to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, a visit expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Thailand. The Prime Minister’s trip, which comes at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is poised to enhance India’s strategic and economic ties with the Southeast Asian nation.
In his departure statement, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming engagement, stating, “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.” He further highlighted the significance of BIMSTEC, noting that, “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.”
PM Modi stressed that India’s North Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC, underlining India’s central role in driving regional integration and cooperation within the grouping. He also expressed his anticipation to engage with BIMSTEC leaders, saying, “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 visit to Thailand, PM Modi is expected to hold discussions with Prime Minister Shinawatra and other Thai leaders, aiming to deepen the historical ties between India and Thailand, based on shared cultural, philosophical, and spiritual heritage. The Prime Minister also plans to interact with the Indian diaspora in Thailand, further strengthening the people-to-people ties between the two nations.
As part of his two-nation tour, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka next, from April 4-6. The visit follows the successful trip of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India in December 2024. “We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of ‘Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’ and provide further guidance to realize our shared objectives,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Expressing confidence in the success of these diplomatic engagements, PM Modi said, “I am confident that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening our close relationships for the benefit of our people and the wider region.”
BIMSTEC, a regional organization that links South Asia with Southeast Asia, plays a vital role in promoting cooperation and development in the Bay of Bengal region. The grouping comprises seven member states—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. As the largest and most influential member, India’s leadership in BIMSTEC continues to be pivotal in shaping its agenda and driving progress across sectors such as connectivity, trade, and security.
PM Modi’s participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit is expected to further enhance India’s role as a key driver of regional integration and cooperation, reinforcing its commitment to fostering collaboration in the Bay of Bengal region.
