Mera Saansad
Search Search
English language

Thailand holds a special place in India's 'Act East' Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision: PM Modi in the Joint Press meet

Published By : Admin | April 3, 2025 | 15:01 IST

Your Excellency, Prime Minister Shinawatra,

Delegates from both countries,

Friends from the media,

Namaskar!

Sawadee Krap!

I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shinawatra for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me.

 

I express my deepest condolences on behalf of the people of India for the loss of life in the earthquake that occurred on March 28. We also wish for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.

Friends,

The age-old relations between India and Thailand are rooted in our deep cultural and spiritual ties. The spread of Buddhism has brought our people together.

There have been exchanges of scholars from Ayutthaya to Nalanda. The story of Ramayana is deeply rooted in Thai folk lore. And, the influence of Sanskrit and Pali continues to resonate with our languages and traditions today.

I am grateful to the Government of Thailand for releasing a special postage stamp based on the 18th century ‘Ramayana’ mural paintings as part of my visit.

Prime Minister Shinawatra just gifted me a Tri-Pitaka. On behalf of India, the land of Buddha, I accept it with folded hands. Last year, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were sent from India to Thailand. It is a matter of great pleasure that more than four million devotees got the opportunity to pay their tributes. I am extremely happy to announce that the Holy Relics found in Aravali, Gujarat in 1960 will also be sent to Thailand for an exposition.

This year our old connection was also visible in the Mahakumbh in India. More than 600 Buddhist devotees from foreign countries, including Thailand, became part of this spiritual and cultural gathering. This event gave the message of global peace and harmony.

 

Friends,

Thailand holds a special place in India's 'Act East' Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision. Today, we have decided to strengthen our ties into a strategic partnership. Also, we discussed establishing a 'Strategic Dialogue' between our security agencies.

We thanked the Government of Thailand for their cooperation in facilitating the return of Indian victims of cybercrime. We have agreed that our agencies will collaborate closely to combat human trafficking and illegal migration.

We have emphasized on cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between Thailand and the North-Eastern states of India.

We discussed growing mutual trade, investment, and business exchanges. Agreements have also been made to foster cooperation in the areas of MSME, handloom and handicrafts.

We have decided to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, digital technology, e-vehicles, robotics, space, bio-technology and start-ups. In addition to enhancing physical connectivity, both the countries will work to boost FinTech connectivity.

 

With the aim of promoting people-to-people exchanges, India has started offering free e-visa facilities to Thai tourists.

Friends,

ASEAN is the comprehensive strategic partner of India, and in this region, as neighbouring maritime countries, we have shared interests in regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

India firmly supports ASEAN unity and ASEAN centrality. In the Indo-Pacific region, both countries advocate a free, open, inclusive and rule-based order.

We believe in development and not expansionism. We welcome Thailand’s decision to co-lead the ‘Maritime Ecology’ Pillar of the ‘Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative.

 

Friends,

I am eager to participate in the BIMSTEC Summit tomorrow. Under Thailand’s chairmanship, this forum has gained new momentum towards regional cooperation. We congratulate the Prime Minister and her team for this achievement.

Excellency,

Once again, I thank you for this warm welcome and honour. I also express my gratitude for this gift of the Tri-Pitaka.

Khop Khun Khap!

 

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya

Popular Speeches

Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya
View All
Pyaaz Khaate Hai, Dimaag Nahi': PM Modi's Jhalmuri Video Breaks The Internet With 100M+ Views

Media Coverage

Pyaaz Khaate Hai, Dimaag Nahi': PM Modi's Jhalmuri Video Breaks The Internet With 100M+ Views
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
India - Republic of Korea Joint Statement on Cooperation in the field of Sustainability
April 20, 2026

The Republic of India and the Republic of Korea, hereafter referred to as "the two sides,” agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation to address global sustainability challenges through practical collaboration in climate change, maritime and Arctic issues.

As environmentally responsible nations, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to fulfill the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with respect to environment in an integrated manner. To achieve this, the two sides decided to promote cooperation on environmental matters and climate change, including the sustainable management of natural resources including land, air, water, biodiversity, and wastes.

Climate Change Cooperation

Reaffirming their support for the rules-based international order and their commitment to the Paris Agreement, the two sides recognised the critical importance of enhancing climate action to address the unprecedented climate crisis that threatens sustainability of humanity and nature.

In this context, the two sides welcomed the conclusion of an MOC under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which establishes a cooperative approach for investment-driven mitigation projects, advances the achievement of their respective Nationally Determined Contributions, and further strengthens their strategic partnership in the area of climate action. The two sides will promote cooperation on climate change issues including carbon market, the Article 6.2 cooperative approach, renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.

Environmental Cooperation and Sustainable Development

As environmentally responsible nations, India and the ROK decided to pursue institutional cooperation through an MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Climate and the Environment. The Indian side welcomed the ROK joining as a member of International Solar Alliance (ISA). The ROK side welcomed India joining as a member of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

Oceans and Marine Sustainability

Recognising the importance of the oceans for economic development, ecological balance, and food security, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in marine science, sustainable fisheries, coastal ecosystem protection, and marine pollution prevention.

The two sides will enhance collaboration in the blue economy and promote closer exchanges between scientific institutions and maritime agencies in both countries.

Arctic Research and Polar Cooperation

India and the ROK noted their growing engagement in Arctic research and scientific cooperation. The two sides recognised the Arctic as an important region for advancing understanding of climate change and agreed to expand cooperation in the Arctic, including Arctic science and Arctic shipping.

The two sides will promote closer collaboration between their respective Arctic research institutions and explore opportunities for joint research initiatives, scientific exchanges, and participation in international polar research programmes.

Way Forward

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing practical cooperation that contributes to sustainable development and climate action.

India and the ROK expressed confidence that the expanded cooperation outlined in this joint statement will contribute to the development of innovative and scalable solutions that can support sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.