PM Modi’s Visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka for BIMSTEC Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Thailand on April 3, 2025, for a two-day visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit. His visit is a crucial diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, focusing on enhancing trade, connectivity, and economic collaboration among BIMSTEC countries. The visit also includes discussions with leaders of Thailand, Sri Lanka, and other member countries. Furthermore, it highlights the growing importance of India’s North Eastern region in the context of regional connectivity. Additionally, PM Modi is expected to continue his diplomatic outreach by visiting Sri Lanka after the summit. Here are the key details of the visit:

Key Points of PM Modi’s Visit

Arrival in Thailand

• PM Modi arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 3, 2025, where he was warmly welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit.
• The Sikh community greeted him at the Don Mueang Airport with a traditional Bhangra performance.
• He expressed excitement about participating in official engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation between India and Thailand.

Focus of the Visit

• The visit’s key focus is on enhancing trade and connectivity among the BIMSTEC nations.
• PM Modi emphasized the historical and cultural ties between India and Thailand, aiming to elevate these connections through shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought.
• He outlined the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal region, which serves as a pivotal area for economic cooperation and connectivity.

6th BIMSTEC Summit

• PM Modi will meet with leaders of BIMSTEC countries, including Thailand, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, to discuss regional cooperation.
• The summit aims to enhance the regional development and economic progress of the member countries, focusing on the Bay of Bengal region’s growth and collaboration.

Meeting with Other Leaders

• PM Modi will engage with Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and Myanmar’s military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing during the summit.
• Discussions will also include the strengthening of regional ties and addressing common challenges.

Next Stop: Sri Lanka

• After the BIMSTEC summit, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-day visit.
• This will be his first visit to Sri Lanka since the election of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
• PM Modi will review the progress made since the visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India in December 2024 and focus on furthering the shared vision of “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future.”

BIMSTEC and India’s North Eastern Region

• India’s North Eastern region plays a crucial role in the BIMSTEC framework due to its geographical location.
• The region is at the heart of India’s engagement with BIMSTEC, making it an integral part of India’s connectivity and trade initiatives in the Bay of Bengal region.

Cultural and Diplomatic Significance

• PM Modi’s visit not only highlights economic ties but also emphasizes the cultural and historical bonds that India shares with Thailand and Sri Lanka.
• The BIMSTEC forum has been a key platform for promoting regional cooperation in various sectors, including trade, connectivity, and infrastructure development.