Upon his arrival, he was greeted at the airport by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and other senior officials.
PM Modi is in Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on April 4, where he will discuss key areas of regional cooperation with other leaders. He is also scheduled for bilateral talks with Thai officials to enhance India-Thailand relations.
After arriving, the Prime Minister plans to interact with members of the Indian community, reflecting the strong cultural and economic ties between India and Thailand.
In his departure statement, PM Modi noted, “At the invitation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, I am embarking on this official visit to Thailand to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.”
He emphasized the importance of BIMSTEC as a significant platform for regional development, connectivity, and economic advancement in the Bay of Bengal area. He remarked, “India’s Northeastern region is at the heart of BIMSTEC due to its geographic location.”
Looking ahead to his engagements, PM Modi expressed eagerness to meet with BIMSTEC leaders, saying, “I look forward to engaging with the leaders from BIMSTEC countries and working together to strengthen our collaboration with a focus on our people’s interests.”
Regarding his official activities in Thailand, he mentioned, “I will have the chance to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, as we aim to strengthen our historic ties rooted in shared cultural, philosophical, and spiritual foundations.”
As part of his two-nation tour, PM Modi will also visit Sri Lanka next. “From Thailand, I will travel to Sri Lanka from April 4-6, following the successful visit of President [Ranil] Wickremesinghe to India in December. We will review the progress made on our joint vision of ‘Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’ and provide direction toward achieving our common goals,” he stated.
Expressing optimism about both visits, the Prime Minister remarked, “I am confident that these trips will build on past foundations and help strengthen our close relationships for the benefit of our people and the broader region.”
India plays a crucial role in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), acting as a significant driver of regional integration and collaboration. PM Modi’s presence at the summit is expected to further enhance India’s leadership within the organization, reinforcing its commitment to cooperation and progress.
BIMSTEC is a regional bloc comprising seven member states in the Bay of Bengal region—five from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar and Thailand). The grouping serves as a vital link between South Asia and Southeast Asia, with India being its largest and most influential member, guiding its agenda and promoting sectoral collaboration.
