In a significant diplomatic move, India’s prime minister Narendra Modi met with his Thai counterpart, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, for discussions aimed at enhancing trade and cultural ties between their nations. Modi acknowledged Thailand as a valued friend, highlighting mutual interests in sectors like defense, shipping, and digital innovation.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of East Asia Summit in Vientiane on October 11.

Modi congratulated the Thai prime minister on assuming office. She also extended greetings to India’s prime minister on his historic third term in office.

The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in a range of areas.

They also exchanged views on ways to forge closer cooperation in sub-regional, regional, and multilateral fora. In this context, they discussed strengthening regional cooperation through BIMSTEC.

India’s ties with Thailand are an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, which is marking a decade this year, and India’s Vision of the Indo-Pacific.

“Met PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Lao PDR. Thailand is a deeply valued friend of India’s. Our talks were focused on how to improve trade ties between our nations and to boost cultural linkages. We also see great scope in sectors like defence, shipping, digital innovations and more,” the Indian prime minister said.