VIENTIANE, Laos – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the newly inaugurated Prime Minister of Thailand, on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Vientiane. This encounter marked their first official interaction since Shinawatra took office.
During their discussions, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Shinawatra on her new leadership role. In response, the Thai Prime Minister extended her best wishes to Modi for achieving a historic third term. The dialogue centered around enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, technology, and defense.
A notable focus of their conversation was the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and discussed initiatives that could lead to greater cooperation under this framework.
The relationship between India and Thailand is a pivotal aspect of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. This policy seeks to deepen India’s engagement with Southeast Asia and aligns with India’s broader strategic Vision for the Indo-Pacific region. Modi and Shinawatra underscored their shared commitment to strengthening ties and addressing regional challenges collaboratively.
The meeting not only reaffirms the dedication of both nations to enhancing their partnership but also highlights their role as key players in fostering stability and development within the Indo-Pacific. By working together, they aim to tackle issues such as maritime security, economic integration, and climate change, reinforcing their resolve to navigate an increasingly interconnected global landscape.