Bangkok [Thailand]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, where he is expected to make significant announcements reinforcing India’s commitment to regional cooperation.
BIMSTEC Secretary-General Indra Mani Pandey expressed optimism about the summit’s outcomes, highlighting the adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030, the eminent persons group report, and the signing of an agreement on maritime transport cooperation.
“PM will address BIMSTEC, and we are looking forward to his address. I’m sure there will be key announcements to reinforce India’s role in strengthening regional cooperation,” Pandey told ANI.
Thailand Overcomes Challenges to Host Summit
Despite the recent earthquake, Thailand has successfully organized the summit, reflecting its commitment to regional dialogue.
“It’s commendable that despite challenges, Thailand has gone ahead with hosting the summit. We anticipate significant declarations, including the adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030 and key agreements,” said Pandey.
As a founding member of BIMSTEC, India has played a crucial role in advancing the organization’s agenda. PM Modi previously hosted a retreat for BIMSTEC leaders in 2016 alongside the BRICS summit, setting the stage for deeper cooperation.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The recent meeting between PM Modi and Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra is expected to boost cooperation between India and Thailand.
“India has always played an important role in BIMSTEC. The bilateral meeting between PM Modi and PM Shinawatra will further strengthen the spirit of cooperation,” Pandey noted.
India’s relations with Bangladesh are also poised to deepen, as Bangladesh prepares to take over as the next BIMSTEC chair. With the BIMSTEC Secretariat based in Dhaka, Bangladesh is expected to play a key role in advancing regional trade, investment, and development, including the blue economy.
“Bangladesh will assume chairmanship of BIMSTEC soon, and we look forward to close cooperation in areas like trade, investment, and development,” Pandey added.
India to Send Lord Buddha’s Holy Relics to Thailand
In a major cultural gesture, PM Modi announced that holy relics of Lord Buddha, discovered in Gujarat’s Aravalli in 1960, will be sent to Thailand for devotees to pay their respects.
“I am happy to announce that the holy relics of Lord Buddha, found in Gujarat’s Aravalli, will be sent to Thailand for darshan,” PM Modi stated.
This follows last year’s successful dispatch of Lord Buddha’s relics to Thailand, where over 4 million devotees had the opportunity to pay homage.
BIMSTEC 2025: A Focus on Regional Growth
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit, themed “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC,” is being held on April 4, 2025, in Bangkok. The summit will focus on enhancing trade, security, and connectivity, while endorsing the Bangkok Vision 2030 to strengthen regional collaboration.