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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangkok served as a multifaceted engagement, combining expressions of solidarity, reinforcement of bilateral ties, and participation in crucial regional discussions. The immediate context of his visit was shadowed by the devastating earthquake in Thailand, prompting Modi to convey the condolences of the Indian people directly to the Thai leadership and public. Addressing a joint press briefing with Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Modi articulated India's deep sorrow over the loss of life and extended wishes for the swift recovery of those injured. This act of empathy underscored the strong bonds of friendship and mutual support between the two nations, highlighting India's commitment to standing by Thailand during times of adversity. Beyond the immediate expression of sympathy, Modi's visit served as an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding cultural and spiritual connections between India and Thailand. He emphasized the centuries-old relationship rooted in shared heritage, particularly the influence of Buddhism, which has facilitated the exchange of knowledge and ideas from Ayodhya to Nalanda. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the significance of the special postage stamp issued by the Thai government, depicting an 18th-century Ramayana mural painting, as a symbolic gesture of cultural appreciation. The Ramayana, in its various forms, serves as a potent reminder of the shared cultural narrative that binds India and Southeast Asia. The visual representation of the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana, performed for the Prime Minister, further illustrated the deep cultural resonance between the two countries. This cultural diplomacy played a significant role in strengthening the people-to-people connections and fostering a sense of shared identity. Modi's presence at the 6th BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok was also a key element of his visit. BIMSTEC, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is a regional organization comprising seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The summit provided a platform for Modi to engage with other regional leaders and discuss ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, and security. The agreement on Maritime Cooperation, overseen by the leaders during the summit, signified a collective commitment to strengthening maritime security and promoting sustainable development in the Bay of Bengal region. Modi emphasized the importance of BIMSTEC as a forum for promoting regional development, connectivity, and economic progress. The summit served as an opportunity to address shared challenges and explore avenues for greater collaboration in the Bay of Bengal region. The fact that the summit brought Modi face-to-face with leaders such as Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing indicates the complex geopolitical landscape and the importance of regional dialogue in addressing shared concerns. Following his visit to Thailand, Modi's scheduled trip to Sri Lanka marked another significant step in strengthening India's relations with its neighbors. This visit, his first to the island nation since the election of its new president, signaled India's continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's economic development and promoting regional stability.
The magnitude of the earthquake, registering at 7.7 on the Richter scale, underscored the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters. The substantial loss of life, with over 2700 fatalities and thousands missing, highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. The earthquake served as a stark reminder of the importance of international cooperation in providing humanitarian assistance and supporting recovery efforts. Modi's expression of condolences on behalf of the Indian people reflected India's willingness to provide assistance to Thailand in its time of need. India's historical relationship with Thailand extends beyond cultural and spiritual ties. The two countries have a robust economic partnership, with increasing trade and investment flows. Thailand is an important partner for India in Southeast Asia, and the two countries share common interests in promoting regional security and stability. The strategic partnership between India and Thailand is based on shared values and a commitment to multilateralism. The two countries work together in various regional and international forums to address common challenges and promote shared interests. Modi's visit to Thailand provided an opportunity to further strengthen this strategic partnership and explore new avenues for cooperation. The ceremonial welcome with a Guard of Honour, as reported by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, symbolized the warmth and respect that Thailand holds for India and its leadership. The Guard of Honour is a traditional military honor bestowed upon visiting heads of state and government, signifying the importance of the relationship between the two countries. Modi's interaction with his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, involved wide-ranging discussions aimed at charting the way forward for the India-Thailand partnership. These discussions likely covered a broad spectrum of issues, including trade and investment, defense and security cooperation, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections. The two leaders likely explored ways to enhance cooperation in these areas and address any outstanding issues. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) highlighted the captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien, which showcased the rich civilizational connect between India and Thailand. This cultural performance served as a powerful reminder of the shared cultural heritage that binds the two countries. The PMO's emphasis on the enriching experience of witnessing the Ramakien performance underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. The Ramayana, in its various forms, is a popular and influential epic in many parts of Asia. It is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the shared cultural values that transcend national boundaries. Modi's observation that the Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia highlighted the unifying power of this epic. The Ramayana serves as a cultural bridge, connecting people from different backgrounds and fostering a sense of shared identity.
The focus on maritime cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework is particularly significant, given the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal is a vital waterway for trade and commerce, connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia and beyond. It is also a region rich in natural resources, including fisheries and energy reserves. However, the Bay of Bengal is also vulnerable to maritime security threats, such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing. The agreement on Maritime Cooperation aims to address these threats and promote sustainable development in the region. The BIMSTEC member states recognize the need for collective action to ensure the safety and security of the Bay of Bengal. They are committed to working together to combat maritime crime, protect marine resources, and promote sustainable fishing practices. The focus on regional development, connectivity, and economic progress within the BIMSTEC framework aligns with India's broader vision for the Indo-Pacific region. India is committed to promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, where all countries can thrive. BIMSTEC is an important platform for advancing this vision and promoting regional stability and prosperity. Modi's departure statement, describing BIMSTEC as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity, and economic progress, underscored India's commitment to the organization. India recognizes the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges and promoting mutual prosperity. Modi's visit to Thailand and his participation in the BIMSTEC summit demonstrated India's commitment to strengthening its ties with its neighbors and promoting regional stability and cooperation. The visit served as an opportunity to express solidarity with Thailand in the wake of the earthquake, reaffirm the deep cultural and spiritual connections between the two countries, and advance India's strategic interests in the Bay of Bengal region. The multifaceted nature of Modi's visit highlights the complexity of India's foreign policy and its commitment to engaging with the world on multiple fronts. India is committed to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in its neighborhood and beyond. The visits to Thailand and Sri Lanka were part of a broader effort to strengthen India's relations with its neighbors and promote regional cooperation.
The historical context of India-Thailand relations is rooted in centuries of cultural exchange, primarily through the spread of Buddhism and the influence of Indian art, literature, and religious practices. Ancient kingdoms in Thailand, such as the Dvaravati and Srivijaya, were heavily influenced by Indian culture, adopting aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism. The Ramayana, known as the Ramakien in Thailand, is a prominent example of this cultural exchange, with its adaptation into Thai literature, art, and performing arts. The Ayutthaya period (1351-1767) witnessed a significant flourishing of Thai art and culture, much of which was inspired by Indian traditions. The Chakri dynasty, which continues to rule Thailand today, has also maintained a strong connection to Indian culture, with the kings often incorporating Hindu and Buddhist elements into their royal ceremonies and traditions. In modern times, India and Thailand have developed a close strategic partnership, characterized by increasing economic cooperation, defense collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges. Both countries are members of various regional organizations, such as ASEAN and BIMSTEC, and work together to promote regional stability and security. The economic relationship between India and Thailand has grown significantly in recent years, with bilateral trade reaching billions of dollars. Indian companies have invested in various sectors in Thailand, including manufacturing, infrastructure, and IT, while Thai companies have also invested in India. Both countries recognize the potential for further economic cooperation and are working to deepen their trade and investment ties. Defense cooperation between India and Thailand has also strengthened in recent years, with joint military exercises and training programs. Both countries share common security concerns, such as terrorism and maritime security, and are working together to address these challenges. People-to-people exchanges between India and Thailand have also increased in recent years, with more tourists, students, and professionals visiting each other's countries. This has helped to promote greater understanding and goodwill between the two peoples. Modi's visit to Thailand served to further strengthen this already strong relationship, reaffirming the shared cultural heritage and promoting closer cooperation in various fields. The visit was a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Thailand and the commitment of both countries to working together for a more prosperous and secure region.
The broader implications of Modi’s diplomatic engagements in Southeast Asia extend to India’s Act East Policy, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening economic, strategic, and cultural ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This policy recognizes the growing importance of the region in the global economy and the need for India to play a more active role in shaping its future. BIMSTEC is a key component of the Act East Policy, providing a platform for India to engage with its neighbors in the Bay of Bengal region. The organization's focus on regional development, connectivity, and economic progress aligns with India's broader strategic objectives in the region. By promoting economic integration and infrastructure development, BIMSTEC helps to create a more stable and prosperous environment, which benefits all member states. India's commitment to the Act East Policy is reflected in its increasing investments in infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia, such as roads, railways, and ports. These projects aim to improve connectivity between India and its neighbors, facilitating trade and investment flows. India is also working to promote cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections with countries in Southeast Asia, recognizing the importance of building trust and understanding. Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka were also significant in the context of China’s growing influence in the region. China has been investing heavily in infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia, raising concerns about its growing economic and political power. India is seeking to counter China’s influence by strengthening its own ties with its neighbors and promoting a more balanced regional order. India's approach to Southeast Asia is based on the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutually beneficial cooperation. India is committed to working with its neighbors to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, without seeking to dominate or control. The Act East Policy is not just about economics; it is also about security. India recognizes the importance of maintaining a stable and secure maritime environment in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. India is working with its neighbors to enhance maritime security cooperation, including joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and capacity building. Modi’s engagements in Southeast Asia also underscore the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges. India is a strong supporter of the United Nations and other international organizations, and recognizes the need for collective action to tackle issues such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics. By participating in regional forums such as BIMSTEC, India is contributing to the development of a more cooperative and inclusive global order.
Source: In Bangkok, PM Modi mourns earthquake victims - ‘on behalf of the people of India’