BANGKOK, April 3: India and Thailand on Thursday decided to elevate their bilateral relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing that both nations support a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Modi also reaffirmed that both countries believe in a policy of development, not expansionism.
The announcement came during a joint press event with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after delegation-level talks in Bangkok. Modi and Shinawatra held extensive discussions on strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors.
Modi highlighted that both countries will boost cooperation in tourism, culture, and education, particularly focusing on India’s northeastern states and Thailand. “We discussed enhancing mutual trade, investment, and exchanges between businesses,” he stated. Further, the two sides signed agreements for collaboration in MSME, handloom, and handicrafts. Modi emphasized that Thailand holds a special place in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
“Today, we have decided to elevate our relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership. Discussions were also held on establishing a ‘Strategic Dialogue’ between security agencies,” Modi said. He reiterated India’s full support for ASEAN unity and ASEAN Centrality, reaffirming that both nations uphold a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific order. “In the Indo-Pacific, we both support a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order. We believe in the policy of vikaasvaad, not vistaarvaad (development, not expansionism),” Modi asserted.
During the visit, Thailand honored Modi by issuing a special postage stamp depicting 18th-century Ramayana mural paintings. “I am grateful to the Thai government for issuing a special postage stamp based on the 18th-century ‘Ramayana’ mural paintings on the occasion of my visit,” Modi remarked. Additionally, PM Shinawatra presented Modi with the Tripitaka, a sacred Buddhist scripture. Modi expressed gratitude, stating, “On behalf of the Buddha-land India, I accepted it with folded hands.”
He emphasized the centuries-old cultural and spiritual ties between India and Thailand, particularly through Buddhism. “The spread of Buddhism has connected our people at every level,” Modi noted. He also referenced historical scholarly exchanges between Ayutthaya (Thailand) and Nalanda (India), highlighting how the Ramayana is deeply woven into Thai folklore, and the influence of Sanskrit-Pali traditions remains prominent in Thai language and culture.
Modi expressed his condolences for the victims of the March 28 earthquake in Thailand. “We pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured,” he said, offering India’s support.
Modi, who arrived in Bangkok for a two-day visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, was earlier accorded a Guard of Honour and witnessed a mesmerizing performance of the Ramakien—the Thai adaptation of the Ramayana.
Later, he joined BIMSTEC leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan to oversee the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation. After concluding his Thailand visit, Modi is scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka, marking his first visit to the island nation since the election of its new president.
The BIMSTEC Summit will bring Modi face-to-face with key regional leaders, including Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and Myanmar’s military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing. In a departure statement, Modi described BIMSTEC as a crucial forum for enhancing regional connectivity, development, and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region.
