Thailand a ‘valuable partner’ in India’s 'Act East' policy: MEA ahead of PM Modi's visit

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Thailand from April 3 to 4 for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and an official bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The visit, at the invitation of the Thai government, is expected to strengthen India-Thailand ties and reaffirm India's commitment to regional cooperation.Jaideep Mazumdar, MEA Secretary (East), highlighted the significance of the visit, saying, "India and Thailand have historically warm bilateral relations, shared civilizational, cultural, and religious bonds. Thailand is India's maritime neighbour, a valuable partner in our Act East policy and vision for the Indo-Pacific, and also a highly valued partner in BIMSTEC."He added that the visit would build on the positive momentum of bilateral relations since Modi’s last visit in 2019. The Prime Minister's meeting with Shinawatra will be their second, following earlier discussions on strengthening diplomatic and economic collaboration.The MEA confirmed that this would be Modi’s third visit to Thailand. His participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, hosted by Thailand as the current chair, will focus on boosting regional cooperation under the theme "BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient and Open." Leaders from member nations are expected to discuss institutional and capacity-building measures to enhance collaboration.India has played an active role in BIMSTEC, supporting initiatives in trade, investment, security, connectivity, and capacity building. The summit will also mark the first in-person meeting of BIMSTEC leaders since the Kathmandu summit in 2018. The last summit, held in Colombo in 2022, was conducted virtually.Following his Thailand visit, Modi will travel to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 for a state visit at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. Discussions will focus on progress in bilateral cooperation and projects implemented with Indian assistance. Modi is also expected to visit Anuradhapura to inaugurate development initiatives.This visit underscores India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies. The MEA emphasised, "Prime Minister’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka, and his participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, will reaffirm India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, 'Act East' policy, 'MAHASAGAR' (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, and the Indo-Pacific vision."