PM Modi's 3-Day Visit to Thailand & Sri Lanka: Key Highlights & Agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant three-day diplomatic visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka. His tour begins in Thailand, where he will participate in the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit before proceeding to Sri Lanka for further bilateral engagements.

This visit comes at a crucial time as India looks to strengthen its regional partnerships, enhance maritime cooperation, and boost trade and security collaboration in South and Southeast Asia.

Thailand Visit: Strengthening Regional Ties

PM Modi’s first stop is Thailand, where he is expected to receive a grand welcome from the Indian diaspora. His itinerary includes high-profile diplomatic meetings and participation in regional discussions aimed at enhancing economic and security ties.

Meeting with Thai Leadership

PM Modi will meet Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Government House, where he will be accorded a ceremonial welcome. This meeting is expected to focus on:

• Strengthening bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

• Enhancing maritime security and regional cooperation.

• Expanding cultural and tourism exchanges between India and Thailand.

Additionally, PM Modi will call on Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and Queen Suthida, reaffirming India’s strong cultural and diplomatic ties with Thailand.

BIMSTEC Summit & Bangkok Vision 2030

One of the major highlights of PM Modi’s visit to Thailand is his participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. BIMSTEC, an economic and technical cooperation organization that includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, aims to strengthen regional integration.

At the summit, PM Modi, along with other regional leaders, will oversee the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation. This agreement is expected to enhance joint maritime security efforts, trade routes, and disaster management coordination.

The summit will also witness the adoption of Bangkok Vision 2030, which focuses on:

• Promoting BIMSTEC as a region of peace and economic sustainability.

• Enhancing cooperation on climate change adaptation and mitigation.

• Strengthening connectivity and economic partnerships among member countries.

PM Modi emphasized in his departure statement that India’s Northeast region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC, making India’s role in the initiative particularly significant.

Visit to Wat Pho Temple

PM Modi will also visit Wat Pho, one of Thailand’s most revered temples, known for its massive reclining Buddha statue. This temple, considered a center of learning in ancient Thailand, is symbolic of India-Thailand cultural and religious ties.

Sri Lanka Visit: Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Following his engagements in Thailand, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka, where he will meet with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This visit is particularly important as India and Sri Lanka continue to strengthen their economic, defense, and people-to-people ties.

Discussions with President Dissanayake

PM Modi’s meeting with the Sri Lankan President will focus on:

• Economic Cooperation: Strengthening trade agreements and discussing new investment opportunities.

• Maritime Security: Enhancing naval cooperation and tackling regional security threats.

• Infrastructure Development: Reviewing India-backed projects in Sri Lanka, including energy and transport initiatives.

This visit follows President Dissanayake’s trip to India in December, during which key agreements were signed to enhance economic integration and connectivity.

Strategic Importance of the Visit

PM Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka holds strategic significance for India’s foreign policy in the region. By engaging with BIMSTEC nations, India is reinforcing its commitment to regional economic growth, maritime security, and climate resilience.

Additionally, strengthening ties with Sri Lanka is crucial for India’s Indian Ocean security strategy, as China continues to expand its presence in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Conclusion

PM Modi’s three-day visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka is expected to boost regional cooperation, enhance security partnerships, and open new avenues for economic and cultural collaboration. His participation in the BIMSTEC Summit and bilateral meetings with Thai and Sri Lankan leaders will pave the way for stronger diplomatic and economic ties between India and its South and Southeast Asian neighbors.

This visit reaffirms India's leadership role in regional diplomacy and its commitment to fostering a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.