Bangkok [Thailand], April 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bangkok on Thursday to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, marking a key moment in India’s regional diplomatic engagement.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the visit on X, stating, “PM @narendramodi departs on a visit to Thailand & Sri Lanka.” The Prime Minister is set to participate in the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok before proceeding on a state visit to Sri Lanka.
Excitement was palpable among the Indian diaspora in Thailand, who welcomed PM Modi with chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jai Hind.’ Ravi Kumar, President of the Telugu Association in Thailand, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are so excited to see PM Modi here today. We hope for more direct flights between Thailand and India.”
During his visit, PM Modi will meet Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss bilateral relations and will also have an audience with Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Emphasizing the importance of this trip, Modi posted on X, “Over the next three days, I will be visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka to take part in various programs aimed at boosting India’s cooperation with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries.”
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit, themed “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient and Open,” is scheduled for Friday. Leaders will discuss ways to enhance regional collaboration within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). This marks the first in-person BIMSTEC Summit since 2018, with the last meeting in 2022 held virtually in Sri Lanka.