Modi's Strategic Visit: Strengthening Ties with Thailand and Sri Lanka

PM Narendra Modi's visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka aims to build on previous positive interactions. The tour will include meetings with key leaders, discussions on bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and the signing of agreements. The Bangkok Summit will focus on adopting the Bangkok Vision 2030.

In a strategic move to bolster diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Thailand and Sri Lanka, an initiative geared towards reinforcing the positive momentum established since his last visit in 2019. Secretary East Jadeep Mazumdar emphasized the importance of building on previous engagements during a recent briefing.

Modi's itinerary includes a bilateral meeting with Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marking their second encounter following talks on the margins of the ASEAN summit in Vientiane last year. The discussions aim to enhance the India-Thailand partnership and address regional multilateral issues, according to Mazumdar.

Furthermore, the visit is expected to witness several agreements being signed, potentially inaugurating new avenues of cooperation. Thailand, a critical neighbor in India's Act East policy, shares strong cultural and economic ties with New Delhi, with trade figures reaching nearly $15 billion, as noted by Mazumdar.

Mazumdar highlighted the recent Buddhist relics exposition in Thailand as a testament to the countries' deep-rooted cultural bonds. The event underscored the successful collaboration between the two nations across various regional platforms like ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

The focus will shift to the BIMSTEC platform at the forthcoming Bangkok Summit, where the Bangkok Vision 2030 will be adopted. Modi, who has been a vocal proponent of BIMSTEC, reaffirmed India's commitment by hosting a leaders' retreat in Goa and inviting BIMSTEC leaders to his 2019 inauguration.

(With inputs from agencies.)