The North News
New Delhi, April 3
India and Thailand have agreed to strengthen their relationship through a new strategic partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his visit to Bangkok on Thursday. Speaking along with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations, citing Buddhism, linguistic connections, and the Ramayana’s influence on Thai folklore.
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for Thailand’s release of a special postage stamp featuring 18th-century Ramayana mural paintings and acknowledged the presentation of a Tri-Pitaka from his Thai counterpart. He also announced that the Holy Relics found in Gujarat’s Aravali in 1960 would be sent to Thailand for an exposition, following a similar display last year that drew over four million devotees.
Beyond cultural ties, the leaders emphasized cooperation in security, trade, and technology. They agreed to establish a ‘Strategic Dialogue’ between security agencies to tackle human trafficking and cybercrime. Economic collaboration will expand into renewable energy, digital technology, e-vehicles, robotics, and start-ups, alongside increased trade in MSMEs, handlooms, and handicrafts.
Tourism was another focal point, with India offering free e-visa facilities to Thai travelers to boost people-to-people exchanges. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN’s unity and a rules-based Indo-Pacific order, welcoming Thailand’s decision to co-lead the Maritime Ecology pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
