New Delhi,3 Aprilia(HS): During a joint press statement with Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on April 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and extended condolences for the lives lost in the March 28 earthquake in Thailand. He highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties between India and Thailand, emphasizing the historic connections traced back to the spread of Buddhism and exchanges between scholars. The significance of the ‘Ramayana’ in Thai culture was acknowledged, alongside gratitude for a commemorative postage stamp issued during his visit.

Prime Minister Modi received a Tri-Pitaka as a gift, symbolizing India's commitment to its Buddhist heritage. He mentioned the successful return of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, which had attracted over four million devotees in Thailand, and announced plans to send additional relics for an exposition in Thailand.

Emphasizing the ongoing cultural connections, he noted the participation of over 600 Buddhist devotees from Thailand in the recent Mahakumbh event in India, underscoring a shared message of global peace. Furthermore, he highlighted Thailand's significance in India's 'Act East' Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision, announcing plans to enhance their relationship into a strategic partnership and establish a 'Strategic Dialogue' between security agencies. Cooperation in combating cybercrime, human trafficking, and promotion of tourism, culture, and education, especially involving the North-Eastern states of India, was discussed.

We discussed enhancing mutual trade, investment, and business interactions, culminating in agreements to promote cooperation in MSME, handloom, and handicrafts. We have committed to bolstering collaboration in renewable energy, digital technology, electric vehicles, robotics, space, biotechnology, and start-ups. Moreover, both countries will seek to improve physical connectivity and FinTech connectivity. To encourage people-to-people exchanges, India has begun offering free e-visa facilities to Thai tourists,PM said.

As ASEAN is India's comprehensive strategic partner, we share regional maritime interests in peace, stability, and prosperity. India strongly supports ASEAN unity and its central role, advocating for a free, open, inclusive, and rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific. We value development over expansionism and appreciate Thailand’s decision to co-lead the 'Maritime Ecology' Pillar of the 'Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative, PM added.

I look forward to participating in the BIMSTEC Summit tomorrow, as Thailand’s chairmanship has revitalized regional cooperation. Congratulations to the Prime Minister and his team for this significant progress.Additionally, I extend my gratitude for the warm welcome and the gift of the Tri-Pitaka,PM quoted.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance cooperation in key areas. These include a MoU between Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and India's Ministry of Electronics on Digital Technologies, and another between India's Sagarmala Division and Thailand's Fine Arts Department for the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat. Additionally, the National Small Industries Corporation of India partnered with Thailand's Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion to foster Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Further MoUs involve collaboration between India's Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry, and between NEHHDC and Thailand's Creative Economy Agency.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar