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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commenced his official visit to Thailand on April 3, 2025, to attend the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit hosted by Thailand. He was received warmly at the airport by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, with members of the Indian diaspora turning out in large numbers both at the airport and at his hotel to welcome him with great enthusiasm
Prime Minister Shri Modi held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Shinawatra at Government House. A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to elevate India–Thailand relations to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in diverse fields such as digital technology, MSME cooperation, cultural heritage, and regional development. These MoUs mark a step forward in aligning bilateral cooperation with mutual priorities.
BIMSTEC is becoming a vital bridge between South and Southeast Asia: PM
While addressing the BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasized that BIMSTEC is becoming a vital bridge between South and Southeast Asia, and a powerful platform for advancing regional connectivity, cooperation, and shared prosperity. He welcomed the enforcement of the BIMSTEC Charter last year and expressed confidence that the adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030 will strengthen collective efforts toward building a prosperous, secure, and inclusive Bay of Bengal region.
To further empower BIMSTEC, the Prime Minister stressed the need to expand its scope and enhance institutional capacities. Highlighting security concerns, he welcomed the institutionalization of the Home Ministers’ mechanism, proposing that India host its first meeting later this year. He noted the mechanism’s potential to address cybercrime, terrorism, drug and human trafficking.
For regional development, the PM emphasized that physical, digital, and energy connectivity must progress in tandem. He welcomed the operationalization of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru, and called for accelerated efforts toward establishing electric grid interconnection across the region.
The PM also proposed linking India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the payment systems of BIMSTEC countries. He noted that such integration would significantly boost trade, industry, tourism, and overall economic activity in the region.
List of MoUs Signed between India and Thailand
1. Joint Declaration on the Establishment of India–Thailand Strategic Partnership
2. MoU on Digital Cooperation between India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT and Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society
3. MoU on Maritime Heritage Development between India’s Ministry of Ports and Thailand’s Fine Arts Department
4. MoU on MSME Cooperation between NSIC (India) and OSMEP (Thailand)
5. MoU on North-East Development Cooperation between India’s MDoNER and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
6. MoU on Handicrafts and Creative Economy
Participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
On April 4, Prime Minister Shri Modi participated in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit alongside regional leaders. He emphasized the need to expand BIMSTEC’s agenda and institutional capacity, and proposed a 21-point action plan aimed at bringing renewed vigor and direction to the organization. His address highlighted India’s commitment to regional prosperity, connectivity, and resilience.
Bilateral Meetings on the Sidelines of BIMSTEC
Engagement with Myanmar
PM Shri Modi held a bilateral meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council of Myanmar. He expressed condolences for lives lost in the recent earthquake and reaffirmed India’s commitment as a first responder through Operation Brahma, offering ongoing humanitarian, medical, and disaster relief. He reiterated India’s longstanding support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar via a credible, inclusive, and Myanmar-led political process.
Engagement with Bangladesh
Prime Minister Shri Modi met with Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh. Reaffirming India’s commitment to a democratic, stable, and inclusive Bangladesh, he advocated a people-centric approach to bilateral relations. PM Shri Modi also congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the Chairmanship of BIMSTEC, expressing optimism about the forum’s growth under its leadership.
Shri Modi’s visit to Thailand underscored India’s proactive diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific, while strengthening ties with ASEAN neighbors and the BIMSTEC grouping. His engagements reaffirmed India’s strategic priorities — enhancing cultural bonds, fostering regional connectivity, supporting democratic values, and building partnerships for inclusive growth and prosperity in the region.