Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok on Thursday. They upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and signed six agreements.
At a joint press meet, Modi indirectly criticized China. He said India and Thailand support progress, not expansionism. He stressed the need for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Modi also said Thailand is important in Indiaās Act East Policy and vision for the Asia-Pacific. He highlighted Thailandās role in ASEAN unity.
Modi arrived in Bangkok to attend the sixth BIMSTEC Summit on Friday.
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an alliance of seven countriesāIndia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, and Bhutanāfocusing on regional collaboration.
The summit will discuss key areas such as maritime security, tourism, space research, and counter-terrorism efforts. During his visit, PM Modi is also expected to hold important discussions with leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.