New Delhi, April 4, ANB: India and Thailand today signed six agreements for cooperation in various fields including IT, maritime, MSME, handicraft and handloom sectors. The agreements were exchanged following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok this afternoon. Both sides reviewed the progress of the entire gamut of bilateral relations and discussed ways to add greater momentum to the India- Thailand bilateral partnership and exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues.
According to news Bureau, ANB: Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial guard of honour. In his joint statement following the bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi announced the decision to elevate the India-Thailand relationship to a Strategic Partnership. He underlined that Thailand has a special place in India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific vision. Mr Modi said they discussed establishing a ‘strategic dialogue’ between security agencies of both nations.
Modi said that during the talks, both sides emphasized cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between North-East India and Thailand. Both leaders also discussed increasing mutual trade, investment and exchange between businesses. Prime Minister Modi pointed out that agreements have also been made for cooperation in MSME, handloom and handicrafts.
He stressed that India is in full support of India’s ASEAN unity and ASEAN centrality. He also said that India and Thailand support and Indo-Pacific that is free, open and inclusive. Prime Minister elaborated that centuries-old ties between India and Thailand are linked by deep cultural and spiritual threads.
He said the spread of Buddhism connected people of the two nations and there has been an exchange of scholars from Ayutthaya to Nalanda. He highlighted that the story of Ramayana is deeply rooted in Thai folk life, and the influence of Sanskrit-Pali is still visible in languages and traditions today.
Modi expressed condolences on behalf of the people of India for the loss of life in the recent earthquake and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He aso expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shinawatra for the welcome and hospitality extended to him.
Modi is on a two-day visit to Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held tomorrow. Upon his arrival in Thailand this morning, Mr Modi was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit at the airport. Prime Minister Modi, in a social media post, said that he looks forward to participating in the upcoming official engagements and strengthening the bonds of cooperation between India and Thailand. Expressing gratitude on receiving the warm welcome from the Indian community, he said that India and Thailand share a deep-rooted cultural bond that continues to flourish through our people. The Prime Minister also witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. ANB
