On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Thailand to participate in the sixth iteration of the BIMSTEC Summit set for April 4. During his departure remarks, PM Modi highlighted that India’s Northeastern area holds great significance within the framework of BIMSTEC. This upcoming trip marks an official visit to Thailand, extended through an invitation from their Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
In the last ten years, BIMSTEC has become an important platform for advancing regional growth, connectivity, and economic prosperity within the Bay of Bengal area. Given its geographic position, India’s Northeastern region stands centrally within BIMSTEC. As stated in his exit speech, the Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm about meeting the leaders from BIMSTEC nations and working constructively towards enhancing our cooperation, always keeping the welfare of our citizens at the forefront.
"While on an official trip, I will get the chance to meet with Prime Minister Shinawatra and other Thai leaders. We share a wish to strengthen the deep-rooted historical connections between our nations, built upon the solid base of mutual cultural values, philosophical beliefs, and spiritual ideas," he mentioned additionally.
From Thailand to Sri Lanka
After visiting Thailand, the Prime Minister will travel to Sri Lanka from April 4th to 6th. This visit comes only a few months following President Disanayaka’s trip to India in December. “This journey allows us to assess the advancements toward our collaborative aim of ‘Cultivating Alliances for a Common Tomorrow’ and offers additional direction towards achieving these mutual goals,” stated the Prime Minister.
"I am convinced that these visits will reinforce the structures established in the past and enhance our strong ties for the well-being of our citizens and the broader area," he stated at the end.
It remains possible that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could meet with Bangladesh’s Acting Leader Muhammad Yunus. This encounter between these heads of state would be their first since violent demonstrations resulted in the ousting of former Bangladeshi Premier Sheikh Hasina from power. According to sources from both New Delhi and Dhaka citing official statements, the request for this meeting came from representatives in Bangladesh.
"I can confirm that the meeting will occur," a Dhaka-based official stated. Bangladesh United News (BUN) However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not confirmed the meeting yet.
With inputs from agencies.
