India and Thailand on Thursday decided to deepen their relations to the level of strategic partnership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the two countries support free, inclusive and rule-based system in the Hind-Pacific region and believe in development policy rather than expansionism.
Modi made this comment at a joint press conference after a delegation level talks with Thailand's Prime Minister Pitagarn Shinavatra. During this dialogue, he held extensive discussions on various areas of bilateral cooperation. Regarding the conversation with Shinavatra, Modi said, 'We have emphasized the cooperation between the northeastern states of India and Thailand in the field of tourism, culture and education. We discussed increasing mutual trade, investment and exchanges between businesses.
He said that agreements have also been made for cooperation in MSME, handloom and handicrafts. Modi said that Thailand has a special place in India's 'Act East' policy and Hind-Pacific approach. Modi said, 'Today we have decided to increase our relationship to the level of strategic partnership. There was also a discussion on setting up 'strategic dialogue' among security agencies. He said that India fully supports unity and centrality in ASEAN.
Modi said, 'Both of us in the Indo-Pacific region support a free, inclusive and rule-based system. We believe in the policy of evolution, not expansionism. He said, 'I am grateful to the Thailand government for issuing a special postage stamp based on the 18th -century' Ramayana 'murals on the occasion of my journey.'
Modi said that Prime Minister Shinavatra presented him 'Tripitaka'. He said, “The land of Buddha from India, I accepted it with folded hands.” He said that centuries -old relations between India and Thailand are bound by their deep cultural and spiritual cords. Modi said that the spread of Buddhism has connected the people of our country at every level. He said, 'Scholars have come from Ayutya to Nalanda. Ramayana Katha is deeply absorbed in Thailand's folk life. He said, “And, the influence of Sanskrit-Pali is still reflected in languages ​​and traditions.” Modi also expressed condolences on behalf of Indians on the loss of life and property caused by the earthquake on March 28. He said, “We wish the injured to get well soon”.
The sixth BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal multi-regional technical and economic cooperation initiative) was given the first 'Guard of Honor' to Modi who arrived here on a two-day visit to attend the summit. He also watched the mesmerized performance of Ramkien (Thai Ramayana). After finishing the visit to Thailand, he will travel to Sri Lanka. Modi at the BIMSTEC summit, Prime Minister of Nepal K.K. Various leaders will attend P. Sharma Oli, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus and M Min Aung Halling, head of military rule in Myanmar.
First Published – April 4, 2025 | 12:09 AM IST
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