PM Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN unity and the Indo-Pacific region during his visit to Thailand, emphasizing that the country holds a “special place” in India’s strategic vision for the region. He highlighted Thailand’s significant role in India’s ‘Act East’ policy and broader Indo-Pacific objectives, stressing that both nations support a free, open, inclusive, and rule-based order in the region.
PM Modi also expressed India’s belief in “vikasvad, not vistarvad” – development over expansion – and reiterated India’s support for ASEAN unity and centrality. He stated, “India fully supports ASEAN and believes in fostering a rule-based, open Indo-Pacific order.”
Further emphasizing the strong ties between India and Thailand, PM Modi announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries, and discussions were held about creating a ‘Strategic Dialogue’ between security agencies. The two leaders also addressed the cooperation received from Thailand in facilitating the return of Indian cybercrime victims.
The Prime Minister and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held detailed talks on various areas of collaboration, including tourism, culture, and business. “We discussed expanding cooperation between Thailand and India’s Northeastern states, with a focus on tourism, education, and business exchanges. We also agreed on strengthening trade, investment, and ties in sectors like MSMEs, handloom, and handicrafts,” PM Modi said.
During his visit, the Thai government honoured PM Modi by issuing a special postage stamp based on the 18th-century ‘Ramayana’ murals, commemorating his visit. PM Modi also received the Tripitaka from PM Shinawatra, a sacred Buddhist text, in a gesture of goodwill.
PM Modi also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Thailand and extended his solidarity to the Thai people following a recent earthquake. He highlighted the complementary nature of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and Thailand’s ‘Act West Policy’, which creates ample opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
On security and defense cooperation, PM Modi stressed the importance of further deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Discussions covered maritime security, defense, terrorism, money laundering, and other mutual concerns.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also gifted PM Modi a special edition of the World Tipitaka, a sacred Buddhist scripture published by the Thai government in 2016 to commemorate the reign of King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit.
