PM Modi and Thai Leader Forge Ahead: Strengthening Defence and Security Ties

Bangkok [ Thailand On April 4, (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra held bilateral talks on Thursday and discussed ways to further strengthen political exchanges, defence and security partnership and strategic engagement between the two countries.

They also underlined the need to enhance connectivity, health, science and technology, start-up, innovation, digital, education, culture and tourism collaborations.

Upon arriving at the Government House, the Prime Minister was greeted by officials. Thailand Prime Minister.

This marked their second encounter. Previously, the two leaders had come together at an ASEAN-related summit in Vientiane in October 2024.

The two leaders went over all aspects of their bilateral cooperation. India and Thailand .

"They discussed ways to further strengthen political exchanges, defence and security partnership, strategic engagement, trade and investment and people-to-people ties. While doing so, they underlined the need to enhance connectivity, health, science & technology, start-up, innovation, digital, education, culture and tourism collaborations," a MEA release said.

"The discussion also covered methods to enhance collaboration in tackling transnational organized crime such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and online frauds," it stated.

The leaders of the two nations shared their perspectives on worldwide matters and explored avenues for strengthening collaboration in various forums at sub-regional, regional, and multinational levels, such as BIMSTEC, ASEAN, and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation.

The two leaders observed the swapping of the Joint Declaration for Establishing India - Thailand Strategic Cooperation. During this event, memorandums of understanding were exchanged focusing on areas such as: handloom and handicraft products; digital technology advancements; support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); and preservation of maritime heritage. Additionally, both leaders expressed their approval regarding the creation of a new partnership in these sectors. India - Thailand The Consular Dialogue aims to enhance personal connections between citizens of both nations.

To demonstrate good will, the Thai government issued a special postage stamp featuring an image from the 18th century. Ramayan a mural paintings to mark Prime Minister's visit.

Underlining the close cultural and religious connections between the two countries, Prime Minister was presented a special edition of Buddhist holy scriptures TI-PITAKA in Pali by Prime Minister Shinawatra.

As a gesture to further deepen the close civilizational ties between India and Thailand The Prime Minister proposed offering relics of Lord Buddha unearthed in Gujarat for this purpose. Thailand , for individuals to show their respects.

Last year, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha along with those of two of his followers journeyed from India to Thailand , with more than 4 million individuals having offered their tributes.

India and Thailand share maritime neighbors with interconnected civilizations strengthened by cultural, linguistic, and religious connections, including those of Ramayan a and Buddhism.

" India 's relations with Thailand Are a key component of our 'Act East' policy, comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN, Vision MAHASAGAR, and our perspective on the Indo-Pacific,” the statement read.

"Prolonged engagements between the two nations have resulted in a strong and varied partnership grounded in ancient connections and common objectives," the statement further noted. (ANI)

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