New Delhi [India], April 3 (ANI): On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Bangkok, Thailand, to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit scheduled for Friday.
Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), posted on X stating, "@narendramodi PM Narendra Modi has departed for a visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka."
"The Prime Minister is scheduled for an Official Visit to Thailand where they will attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Following this engagement, they will continue with a State Visit to Sri Lanka," the statement noted.
Prime Minister Modi announced that he would spend the coming three days in Thailand and Sri Lanka to bolster India’s relationships with these countries as well as the BIMSTEC member states. His itinerary includes a discussion with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and participation in the BIMSTEC Summit. Additionally, he plans to hold talks with King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand during this trip.
In a tweet on X, PM Modi stated, "I am set to travel to Thailand and Sri Lanka over the coming three days to participate in several initiatives designed to enhance India’s collaboration with these nations as well as the BIMSTEC member states."
"Later today in Bangkok, I am scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and discuss the comprehensive scope of India-Thailand relations. Tomorrow, I will participate in the BIMSTEC Summit and also pay a visit to King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand," the post stated.
In a separate post about his impending trip to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Modi stated, "I am scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from the 4th through the 6th. Following the fruitful visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India, my journey aims at reassessing the multi-dimensional relationship between our nations. We shall explore fresh areas for collaboration as well. I'm eagerly anticipating all these engagements during my stay."
Significantly, invited by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Bangkok, Thailand, from April 3-4 for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit scheduled on April 4, which Thailand, as the present chair of BIMSTEC, will host. This trip marks the Prime Minister’s third visit to Thailand.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that this will mark the first in-person gathering of BIMSTEC leaders since the fourth summit took place in Kathmandu, Nepal back in 2018. The subsequent, which is the fifth summit, occurred via video conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka in March 2022. This sixth summit’s focus is “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient and Open.” During the event, the leaders aim to discuss strategies for boosting collaboration within the BIMSTEC framework.
The leaders are anticipated to address several institutional and capacity-enhancing steps aimed at boosting collaboration under the BIMSTEC umbrella. India has spearheaded numerous efforts within BIMSTEC to bolster regional cooperation and partnerships. These include strengthening security, easing trade and investments, developing physical, marine, and digital connections, working together on issues like food, energy, climate, and human safety, fostering capacity building and skills training, as well as deepening interpersonal relationships among member states.
In the bilateral sphere, Prime Minister Modi is set to meet with Shinawatra later today. The discussions will likely focus on assessing current collaborative efforts and mapping out strategies for their future collaboration. Both nations share a special connection as coastal neighbors enriched by common historical roots, culture, language, and religion.
Prime Minister Modi will visit Sri Lanka for a state trip from April 4-6, invited by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka. This information comes via ANI.