India-Thailand Strategic Partnership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Thailand, expressed gratitude to Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra for the warm welcome and hospitality. Addressing delegates and media representatives, PM Modi emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties between India and Thailand.
Offering condolences for the lives lost in the recent earthquake on March 28, PM Modi extended India’s solidarity and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Highlighting historical connections, he acknowledged Thailand’s rich influence from Indian traditions, including Buddhism and the Ramayana. He expressed appreciation for the Thai government’s release of a special postage stamp featuring 18th-century Ramayana mural paintings. In a gesture of cultural exchange, PM Shinawatra presented him with the Tri-Pitaka, which he accepted on behalf of India.
PM Modi also announced that the Holy Relics discovered in Aravali, Gujarat, in 1960 will be sent to Thailand for public exposition. He noted that over four million Thai devotees had previously paid homage to the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha sent from India last year.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Underlining Thailand’s significance in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, PM Modi announced that both nations have agreed to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership. A new Strategic Dialogue will be established between their security agencies.
The leaders also discussed efforts to combat cybercrime, human trafficking, and illegal migration. PM Modi thanked the Thai government for its support in the return of Indian victims of cyber fraud.
Economic and cultural cooperation featured prominently in discussions, with agreements to enhance tourism, education, and trade between Thailand and India’s North-Eastern states. Sectors such as MSMEs, handlooms, handicrafts, renewable energy, digital technology, electric vehicles, robotics, space, and biotechnology will see increased collaboration. The two nations also agreed to strengthen FinTech connectivity and physical infrastructure links.
As a significant step to boost people-to-people ties, India has introduced free e-visa facilities for Thai tourists.
Regional Cooperation and ASEAN Partnership
Reaffirming India’s commitment to ASEAN unity and Indo-Pacific security, PM Modi stressed the importance of a free, open, and rule-based regional order. He welcomed Thailand’s decision to co-lead the Maritime Ecology Pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
PM Modi also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit, acknowledging Thailand’s leadership in strengthening regional cooperation.
Concluding his address, PM Modi once again thanked Prime Minister Shinawatra and the people of Thailand for their hospitality and cultural gifts, signing off with a heartfelt “Khop Khun Khap!
