Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Bangkok, Thailand, from April 3 to 4, 2025, to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and undertake an official bilateral visit. Following this, he will travel to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, 2025, for a state visit.
Key Points:
6th BIMSTEC Summit Participation:
- The summit, hosted by Thailand, marks the first in-person meeting of BIMSTEC leaders since the 4th Summit in Kathmandu in 2018.
- The theme is "BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient and Open," focusing on enhancing regional cooperation.
- Discussions will include institutional and capacity-building measures to strengthen collaboration within the BIMSTEC framework.
- External Affairs India
Bilateral Engagements in Thailand:
- On April 3, PM Modi will meet with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to review bilateral cooperation and outline future partnership directions.
- India and Thailand share maritime boundaries and deep-rooted cultural, linguistic, and religious ties.
State Visit to Sri Lanka:
- PM Modi's visit, at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, will focus on reviewing progress in areas outlined in the "Joint Vision for Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future," adopted during President Dissanayaka's visit to India.
- He will also meet with senior dignitaries and political leaders in Sri Lanka.
- The visit includes traveling to Anuradhapura to inaugurate development projects implemented with Indian financial assistance.
Strategic Significance:
These visits underscore India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies, the 'MAHASAGAR' (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, and its Indo-Pacific strategy.
These engagements aim to bolster regional cooperation, enhance bilateral ties, and promote economic and cultural collaboration between India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.