Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, held delegation-level talks in Bangkok on Thursday, marking a significant step in bilateral relations. Following the discussions, the two leaders announced their decision to elevate India-Thailand ties to a strategic partnership, strengthening cooperation across key sectors.
Delivering a joint press statement after the talks, PM Modi expressed his condolences over the recent earthquake in Thailand. “On behalf of the people of India, I extend deep sympathies for the loss of lives in the earthquake that struck on March 28. We pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.”
Asserting that Thailand holds a special place in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, the prime minister said, “India and Thailand support a free, open, inclusive, rule-based order; we believe in a policy of development-ism, not expansionism.”
“Today, we have decided to elevate our relationship to the level of a strategic partnership. We have also agreed to establish a strategic dialogue between our security agencies” the PM added.
He also highlighted the centuries-old cultural connection between the two countries and expressed gratitude to the Thai PM for issuing a special commemorative stamp featuring 18th-century Ramayana mural paintings.
“India and Thailand share centuries-old ties rooted in deep cultural and spiritual connections. The spread of Buddhism has linked our people, from Ayutthaya to Nalanda, fostering intellectual exchanges. The tales of the Ramayana are an integral part of Thai culture. The influence of Sanskrit and Pali is evident in the Thai language and traditions even today. I am grateful to the Thai government for issuing a commemorative stamp based on Ramayana mural paintings from the 18th century during my visit”, PM Modi said.
During the meeting, PM Modi was presented with the “World Ti-pitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition” by Prime Minister Shinawatra.
This edition, released by the Thai government in 2016 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit’s 70-year reign, is a compilation of Lord Buddha’s teachings with an accurate pronunciation of the Pali Tipitaka’s over nine million syllables. The Thai government has gifted it to more than 30 countries as a “Gift of Peace and Wisdom for All.”
“On behalf of ‘Buddha Bhoomi’ India, I accepted it with folded hands. Last year, holy relics of Lord Buddha were sent from India to Thailand. It is heartening that over four million devotees had the opportunity to receive darshan. I am pleased to announce that the holy relics of Lord Buddha, discovered in Gujarat’s Aravalli in 1960, will also be sent to Thailand for darshan. Our shared heritage was also evident at the Mahakumbh this year, where over 600 Buddhist devotees from Thailand and other nations participated,” the prime minister added.
He also expressed gratitude to the Thai government for supporting Indian nationals affected by cybercrimes.
The Ministry of External Affairs noted that Prime Minister Modi and Thai PM Shinawatra discussed bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and exchanged multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
-ANI
