Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Thailand’s royal King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida at Bangkok’s Dusit Palace on Friday.
During their meeting, they discussed the deep-rooted cultural heritage shared by India and Thailand, especially the recent transfer of Lord Buddha’s relics from India, which strengthened people-to-people connections between the two nations.
BIMSTEC Summit Highlights
Earlier in the day, PM Modi participated in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, reaffirming India’s commitment to multilateral cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.
He welcomed the signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030, and the report by the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group.
The Summit concluded with a declaration to deepen regional integration.
Bilateral Engagements With Regional Leaders
On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi held key bilateral meetings with leaders from Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, furthering India’s regional engagement.
During his interaction with Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay, PM Modi highlighted the strength of the India-Bhutan partnership and reaffirmed commitment to collaboration across various sectors.
In his meeting with Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, the two leaders explored avenues to enhance cooperation in areas such as energy, connectivity, culture, and digital technology.
While speaking with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to a people-centric partnership and voiced serious concern regarding the safety and well-being of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
In talks with Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Prime Minister expressed heartfelt condolences over the recent earthquake and assured India’s continued support in relief, recovery, and infrastructure development.
Homage At Wat Pho
In a symbolic gesture of cultural diplomacy, PM Modi, accompanied by Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, offered prayers at the revered Wat Pho temple, home to the Reclining Buddha.
He presented a replica of the Ashokan Lion Capitol and offered ‘Sanghadana’ to senior monks, underscoring India’s historical Buddhist links with Thailand.
Bilateral Talks With Thailand
During bilateral talks, PM Modi and his Thai counterpart discussed deepening political, defence, and economic engagement.
They explored cooperation in technology, health, education, and tourism.
PM Modi also met former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra, calling him ‘a great friend of India’ and discussed avenues of collaboration.
PM Modi’s Bangkok visit underscores India’s strategic focus on Southeast Asia through cultural diplomacy, economic cooperation, and multilateral engagements, cementing India’s role as a key partner in the BIMSTEC region.
Also Read: PM Narendra Modi Departs For Sri Lanka After BIMSTEC Summit In Thailand
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