Bangkok, April 3: In a significant step to boost bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok on Thursday, where they discussed numerous areas of cooperation. The leaders agreed to elevate the India-Thailand relationship to a Strategic Partnership, a move aimed at deepening ties between the two nations.
During the visit, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were exchanged across a variety of sectors. Among these was the Joint Declaration on the establishment of the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership.
Key MoUs signed included:
A collaboration between Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, focusing on digital technologies.
An MoU between India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (Sagarmala Division) and Thailand's Ministry of Culture (Fine Arts Department), aimed at developing the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat.
Another MoU was signed between India’s National Small Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) and Thailand’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), centered on the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
An MoU between India’s Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER) and Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A partnership agreement between the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC) of India and Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA).
On his arrival in Thailand, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He expressed his excitement about engaging with Thai leadership and emphasized the long-standing cultural bonds between the two nations. “Adding new vigour & dynamism to our longstanding friendship,” said the Prime Minister in a post on X, referring to his productive meeting with Prime Minister Shinawatra.
The Indian community in Bangkok also welcomed PM Modi warmly, with chants of prayers reflecting the strong cultural ties that continue to flourish. PM Modi shared his appreciation for the warm welcome, noting the deep-rooted cultural bond shared between the people of India and Thailand.
In his departure statement, PM Modi expressed optimism about his engagement with the BIMSTEC leaders, with a focus on enhancing cooperation for the benefit of the people. “I look forward to meeting the leaders of BIMSTEC countries and continuing to strengthen our ties, rooted in our shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought,” he stated.
Following his visit to Thailand, PM Modi will proceed to Sri Lanka for a two-day visit. ( With ANI Input)
