Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Vientiane on Friday. During their first meeting, PM Modi presented Shinawatra with a special gift—a wooden table handcrafted in Ladakh.
Focus on Strengthening Ties
The two leaders exchanged pleasantries, with PM Modi congratulating Shinawatra on her new role as Thai Prime Minister. Shinawatra, in turn, congratulated Modi on his third term. PM Modi highlighted the importance of India-Thailand relations and took to X to describe Thailand as a “deeply valued friend.” They discussed ways to strengthen trade, cultural ties, and cooperation in areas like defence, shipping, and digital innovation. Regional cooperation through BIMSTEC was also part of their discussions.
Ladakh Craftsmanship on Display
PM Modi’s gift, a low-height wooden table from Ladakh, showcases the region’s traditional craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage. The table, hand-carved using age-old techniques, reflects the functional and aesthetic qualities of Ladakhi homes. Accompanying the table was a hand-painted pot, adding vibrant artistry and complementing the gift’s Himalayan charm.
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