KKN Gurugram Desk |  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, for the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit. This visit marks a significant diplomatic event as PM Modi will also engage in bilateral talks with Thai Prime Minister, Phaetongtarn Shinawatra. The summit is a crucial platform for regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region, and this summit will be attended by key leaders from BIMSTEC member countries.

The Prime Minister is on a two-day official visit to Thailand, which will also involve discussions on enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries. This trip comes at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Phaetongtarn Shinawatra and will also mark Modi’s third visit to Thailand.

In this article, we will explore PM Modi’s visit to Thailand, the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit, and the significance of this diplomatic engagement for India and the Bay of Bengal region.

PM Modi’s Official Visit to Thailand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in Thailand is for an important two-day visit, where he will not only attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on April 4, 2025, but also hold crucial talks with the Thai leadership. This visit is expected to strengthen the longstanding ties between India and Thailand, particularly in the areas of trade, security, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Indian Prime Minister has visited Thailand on two previous occasions, making this his third official trip to the country. The evolving relationship between India and Thailand is central to India’s Act East Policy, which aims to enhance strategic and economic cooperation with Southeast Asian nations. During his visit, PM Modi will also discuss regional issues, security concerns, and economic cooperation with Thai officials.

6th BIMSTEC Summit: Key Highlights and India’s Role

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit scheduled for April 4, 2025, in Bangkok, will bring together the heads of state and government of member countries: India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan. The primary goal of the summit is to enhance cooperation among these countries in areas such as trade, technology, economic development, and regional security.

The summit will focus on issues such as:

• Economic Integration: The importance of deepening trade ties and facilitating economic integration among BIMSTEC countries.

• Climate Change and Sustainability: Addressing the environmental challenges facing the region, including climate change, and promoting sustainable development.

• Security Cooperation: Discussing security concerns, particularly in the context of maritime security in the Bay of Bengal and combating terrorism.

India’s participation in the BIMSTEC Summit is crucial, given its strategic position and role in regional leadership. PM Modi has consistently advocated for strengthening regional partnerships to ensure prosperity and security in the Bay of Bengal region.

PM Modi’s Bilateral Talks with Thai Prime Minister

On the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Phaetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including:

• Trade and Investment: India and Thailand have significant trade and investment relations. Thailand is one of India’s important trade partners in the ASEAN region. The talks will focus on expanding trade ties, exploring new sectors for collaboration, and enhancing economic cooperation.

• Connectivity and Infrastructure Development: Enhancing connectivity between the two nations through better transportation, logistics, and infrastructure development will be a key area of focus. This includes both physical infrastructure and digital connectivity, aligning with the vision of the India-ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan.

• People-to-People Ties: Cultural exchanges, tourism, and educational collaborations will also be discussed, as both nations share deep cultural and historical links.

The bilateral talks are expected to set the stage for a new phase in India-Thailand relations, with agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) likely to be signed during PM Modi’s visit.

Importance of PM Modi’s Third Visit to Thailand

This marks Prime Minister Modi’s third visit to Thailand, underlining the importance of India-Thailand relations. Over the years, Thailand has been an essential partner for India in Southeast Asia, contributing significantly to trade, security, and regional cooperation. The visit highlights the growing importance of the ASEAN region in India’s foreign policy, especially under the Act East Policy, which seeks to enhance India’s engagement with Southeast Asian nations.

The third visit to Thailand also reflects the strengthening of political and economic ties between India and Thailand. Since the formation of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA), both nations have witnessed increased cooperation in various sectors, including trade, defense, and technology.

What is BIMSTEC and Why Does it Matter?

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional cooperation organization comprising seven countries: India, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. The main objective of BIMSTEC is to promote regional cooperation and development in sectors such as:

• Trade and Investment

• Energy Cooperation

• Transport and Communication

• Agriculture and Fisheries

• Tourism

• Counterterrorism and Regional Security

The BIMSTEC organization plays a crucial role in connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia and facilitating the growth of the region’s economy. The Bay of Bengal region is one of the most strategically significant areas in the world, with access to crucial maritime routes and rich natural resources. BIMSTEC serves as an important forum for collaboration on issues affecting the region and the world at large.

Prime Minister Modi’s Digital Engagement

Before his departure, PM Modi shared his upcoming visit on social media platforms. On X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister posted about his trip, stating:

“I am leaving for Thailand today for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, where I look forward to discussing important issues with fellow leaders and further strengthening India’s ties with Thailand. I will also be participating in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Phaetongtarn Shinawatra to enhance our cooperation in various sectors.”

Social media engagement has become a key aspect of PM Modi’s outreach, allowing him to directly connect with the people and inform them about major diplomatic developments.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Significance of the Visit

PM Modi’s visit to Thailand and participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit is an important milestone in India’s foreign policy. The trip holds significant implications for regional cooperation, economic integration, and addressing security concerns in the Bay of Bengal region.

• Strengthening India-ASEAN Ties: India’s growing relationship with ASEAN countries, including Thailand, is pivotal for regional peace and prosperity. The BIMSTEC Summit provides an excellent platform for India to reinforce its commitment to Southeast Asia.

• Regional Stability and Security: The summit will likely focus on strategies to counter terrorism, piracy, and ensure maritime security in the Bay of Bengal. This is in line with India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which emphasizes a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

• Economic Growth and Development: The trade, connectivity, and infrastructure initiatives discussed at the summit are vital for boosting regional economic growth. India’s engagement with BIMSTEC countries, particularly Thailand, will contribute to the region’s broader economic goals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Thailand for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit represents an important step in strengthening India’s relations with its Southeast Asian neighbors. With a focus on trade, security, and regional cooperation, the summit provides an ideal platform to address the challenges and opportunities facing the Bay of Bengal region.

As India continues to engage with the ASEAN nations under its Act East Policy, the growing ties with Thailand and other BIMSTEC members are likely to pave the way for a more integrated, prosperous, and secure region. PM Modi’s diplomatic efforts, both bilaterally and multilaterally, are likely to ensure that India plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific regions.