India, Thailand Free Support, Inclusive, Rules-Based Orders in Indo-Pacific: PM Modi | India News
Bangkok: India and Thailand decided on Thursday to elevate their relationship to the level of a strategic partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who asserted that both countries support the Indo-Pacific free, open, inclusive and rules-based commands and believe in development policies rather than expansionism. Modi made a comment at a joint press conference with his Thai counterpart Paeton tarn Shinawatra after the delegation-level talks, during which they had extensive discussions on various areas of bilateral cooperation.
Modi said of his speech with Shinawatra: “We highlighted cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between the Northeastern Indian state and Thailand. We discussed strengthening common trade, investment and exchanges between enterprises.” He noted that cooperation agreements were also reached in MSME, Handloom and handicrafts.
Modi asserted that Thailand has a special place in India’s “ACT East” policy and the Indo-Pacific vision. “Today, we decided to elevate the relationship to the level of strategic partnerships. The discussion also held a discussion on establishing a ‘strategic dialogue’ between security agencies.” He said India fully supported ASEAN reunification and ASEAN’s middle route.
“In the Indo-Pacific, we both support a free, open, inclusive and rules-based command. We believe in Vikaasvaad’s policy, not Vistaarvaad (development-developmentism, not expansionism).” He said, “I thank the Thai government for issuing special stamps based on the 18th century “Ramayana” murals during my visit.” Modi said that Prime Minister Sinwavatra introduced him to Tripitaka.
He added: “On behalf of the Indian Buddha, I accepted it with my folded hands.” He said the centuries-old relationship between India and Thailand was related to their profound cultural and spiritual clues. Modi said that the spread of Buddhism is linked at all levels. He said: “There has been a scholarly exchange from Ayutthaya to Nalanda. The story of Ramayana has been deeply woven into Thai folk life.”
“Moreover, the influence of Sanskrit-Palli is still reflected in today’s language and traditions,” he said. Modi also expressed condolences on behalf of the Indians for the death of the March 28 earthquake. “We pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” he said. Modi arrived here on a two-day visit for the sixth Bimstec summit, received an honorary defender earlier and witnessed the fascinating Ramakien-Thai Ramayana performance.
The Prime Minister will later join Bimstec (Bangladesh Bangladesh Domestic Sector Technology and Economic Cooperation Initiative) from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Myanmar and Bhutan to monitor the signing of the maritime cooperation agreement. After ending his visit to Thailand, he will travel to Sri Lanka to visit the island country for the first time since the new president was elected.
The BIMSTEC summit will face to face with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and others. In its departure statement, Modi described Bimstec as an important forum to promote regional development, connectivity and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region over the past decade.
