What PM Modi said on India’s ‘Act East’ and Thailand’s ‘Act West Policies’ during visit

“We have emphasised cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture, and education between India’s northeastern states and Thailand. We discussed enhancing mutual trade, investment, and exchanges between businesses,” Modi said.

Agreements were also reached in areas such as MSMEs, handloom, and handicrafts. Modi underscored Thailand’s significance in India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific vision. “Today, we have decided to elevate our relations to the level of a strategic partnership. Discussions were also held on establishing a ‘Strategic Dialogue’ between security agencies,” he stated.

Reaffirming India’s commitment to regional cooperation, Modi declared, “India fully supports ASEAN unity and ASEAN Centrality. In the Indo-Pacific, we both support a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order. We believe in the policy of vikaasvaad, not vistaarvaad (development-ism, not expansionism).”

Expressing appreciation for Thailand’s cultural gesture, Modi said, “I am grateful to the Thai government for issuing a special postage stamp based on the 18th-century ‘Ramayana’ mural paintings on the occasion of my visit.” He also received the Tripitaka from Prime Minister Shinawatra, stating, “On behalf of the Buddha-land India, I accepted it with folded hands.”

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra gesture as they meet at the Government House, in Bangkok, Thailand, April 3, 2025. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Modi also mentioned the deep cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations. “The spread of Buddhism has connected our people at every level. There has been an exchange of scholars from Ayutthaya to Nalanda. The tale of the Ramayana is deeply woven into Thai folk life. The influence of Sanskrit-Pali is still reflected in the languages and traditions today,” he said.

The Prime Minister also conveyed condolences for the lives lost in the March 28 earthquake, saying, “We pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.”

PM Modi presented with holy scriptures

During his visit to Thailand, Modi received a Guard of Honour and witnessed a performance of Ramakien, the Thai adaptation of the Ramayana.

He was also presented with the Holy Scriptures, “World Ti-pitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition,” by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being presented ‘The World Tipitaka’ as a gift by his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra during a meeting, in Bangkok, Thailand. (PTI Photo)

This edition of the Tipitaka was published by the Thai government in 2016 to commemorate the 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

Later, he is set to join leaders from BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) nations—Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan—to oversee the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation.

Following his Thailand visit, Modi will travel to Sri Lanka for his first visit since the election of the country’s new president. The BIMSTEC summit will also bring him face-to-face with Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, among others.

Ahead of the summit, Modi described BIMSTEC as a key forum for promoting regional connectivity, trade, and cooperation.

(With inputs from PTI)

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