Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday for a two-day visit to participate in the sixth BIMSTEC Summit. His arrival at Don Mueang Airport was met with a warm welcome from Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit.
During his visit, PM Modi is set to engage in high-level discussions with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reaffirming the historic and cultural bonds between the two nations. In addition to bilateral talks, the summit provides an opportunity for him to meet key regional leaders, including Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing.
Narendra Modi‘s Focus is on Strengthening Cooperation
Upon landing in Bangkok, PM Modi shared his enthusiasm for the visit, posting on X: “Landed in Bangkok, Thailand. Looking forward to participating in official engagements and enhancing the strategic partnership between India and Thailand.”
His arrival was marked by vibrant celebrations, with members of the local Sikh community performing Bhangra at the airport. The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, also acknowledged the visit, stating, “Special maritime neighbors with shared civilizational bonds. PM @narendramodi lands in the vibrant cultural city of Bangkok on an official visit. Warmly received by the Deputy PM & Minister of Transport Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit.”
Ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit, there has been speculation regarding a potential meeting between PM Modi and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, which could signal a shift in diplomatic ties between the two nations.
BIMSTEC: A Decade of Regional Development
In his departure statement, PM Modi emphasized the importance of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as a platform for fostering regional growth. “BIMSTEC has played a crucial role in strengthening economic collaboration and connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region over the past decade,” he noted.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s Northeast as a strategic focal point for BIMSTEC, underlining its geographical significance in regional trade and connectivity. “I look forward to productive discussions with BIMSTEC leaders to deepen cooperation for the benefit of our people,” he added.
Next Stop: Sri Lanka
Following the Thailand visit, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka on April 4 for a two-day trip, marking his first visit since the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The visit aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka, building upon the foundations laid during Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India in December 2024.
“This visit provides an opportunity to review the progress made on our shared vision of ‘Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’ and to chart new pathways for collaboration,” PM Modi stated.
He expressed optimism that his engagements in both Thailand and Sri Lanka would reinforce India’s commitment to regional cooperation and economic growth. “These visits are essential in furthering the close ties we share, ensuring stability and prosperity for our people and the broader region,” he concluded.
