PM Modi Attends 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Sri Lanka Visit Next
K N Mishra
03/Apr/2025

What's covered under the Article:
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PM Modi reaches Bangkok for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, followed by a state visit to Sri Lanka.
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He will meet Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and King Maha Vajiralongkorn before the summit.
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In Sri Lanka, he will hold bilateral talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to strengthen ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Bangkok, Thailand, to participate in the highly anticipated 6th BIMSTEC Summit scheduled for April 4, 2025. His visit to Thailand is part of a broader diplomatic tour, which will also take him to Sri Lanka for bilateral discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The visit is expected to reinforce India’s ties with key regional partners and boost economic, security, and strategic cooperation.
PM Modi’s Visit to Thailand: Strengthening BIMSTEC Engagement
Upon his arrival in Bangkok, PM Modi was received by senior Thai officials and members of the Indian community in Thailand. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit will bring together leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to discuss key regional challenges and cooperation opportunities.
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit, themed "BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient, and Open," will focus on:
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Trade and Investment Expansion: Strengthening economic integration among BIMSTEC nations.
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Regional Security and Counter-Terrorism: Enhancing cooperation on security threats and counter-terrorism strategies.
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Connectivity and Infrastructure: Promoting projects for transport, digital infrastructure, and maritime connectivity.
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Human Security and Disaster Management: Collaborating on climate change, disaster relief, and health initiatives.
Ahead of his visit, PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the significance of India’s cooperation with BIMSTEC nations. "Over the next three days, I will be in Thailand and Sri Lanka to take part in various programs aimed at boosting India’s partnerships," he wrote.
Bilateral Meetings in Thailand
During his visit to Thailand, PM Modi is scheduled to hold crucial talks with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, where discussions will revolve around strengthening bilateral trade, security cooperation, and cultural ties.
Additionally, he will have an audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, underscoring the historical and cultural ties between India and Thailand, both of which share a deep-rooted connection through Buddhism and economic partnerships.
This marks PM Modi’s third visit to Thailand, and the first in-person BIMSTEC Summit since 2018, making it a significant diplomatic event.
PM Modi’s State Visit to Sri Lanka: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Following his engagements at the BIMSTEC Summit, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
This visit comes shortly after President Dissanayake’s successful trip to India, reflecting the growing warmth in India-Sri Lanka relations. The discussions are expected to cover:
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Economic Cooperation: Enhancing trade, investment, and economic recovery measures for Sri Lanka.
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Maritime and Security Partnership: Strengthening naval cooperation and ensuring security in the Indian Ocean region.
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Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects: Reviewing Indian-funded projects in Sri Lanka, including housing, railways, and energy infrastructure.
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Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Promoting historical ties through tourism and educational exchanges.
Regional Significance of Modi’s Visit
PM Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka is expected to play a pivotal role in regional diplomacy. While BIMSTEC serves as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka remains a key strategic partner in the Indian Ocean region. With China's increasing influence in both countries, India’s engagement through diplomatic visits and economic partnerships is seen as crucial for maintaining regional balance.
Furthermore, the summit and bilateral meetings will contribute to strengthening India’s "Act East Policy" and its "Neighborhood First" strategy, reinforcing its commitment to regional development and cooperation.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok and his state visit to Sri Lanka mark significant steps in India’s regional engagement. The visit is expected to boost economic, strategic, and cultural ties, enhancing India’s role as a leading regional player. As the BIMSTEC nations push for greater connectivity and cooperation, India’s proactive diplomacy remains a crucial force in shaping the region’s future.