PM Modi arrives in Thailand to attend BIMSTEC summit

PM Modi Visits Thailand for 6th BIMSTEC Summit

Date: April 3–4, 2025

Venue: Bangkok, Thailand

1. Purpose of Visit

• Attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, a platform for multi-sectoral cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Strengthen regional connectivity, trade, and economic collaboration.
• UPSC relevance: Regional groupings, BIMSTEC, India’s Act East Policy.

2. Diplomatic Engagements

• Received Ceremonial Guard of Honour at Don Mueang Airport.
• Held delegation-level talks with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra on trade, connectivity, and cultural cooperation.
• Interacted with other BIMSTEC leaders, including:
  • Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli
  • Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus
  • Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing
• Highlighted India’s North Eastern region as a strategic hub for regional connectivity.
• UPSC relevance: Bilateral & multilateral diplomacy, India–Thailand relations, strategic geography.

3. Cultural & Diaspora Diplomacy

• Engaged with the Indian diaspora in Bangkok; Sikh community performed Bhangra.
• Witnessed Thai version of Ramayana (Ramakien); interacted with performing artists.
• UPSC relevance: Soft power, cultural diplomacy, Indian diaspora engagement.

4. Strategic Takeaways

• Reinforces India’s Act East Policy and engagement with Southeast Asia.
• Strengthens BIMSTEC cooperation in trade, connectivity, and cultural exchange.
• Highlights India’s use of heritage and diaspora diplomacy to strengthen bilateral ties.
  
  Updated - April 04, 2025 11:18 am | The Hindu