Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra met at the East Asia Summit in Vientiane to discuss ways to strengthen their countries' cooperation in various sub-regional and multilateral fora. This marked the first meeting between the two leaders, with Modi congratulating Shinawatra on her assumption of office and discussing India's 'Act East' policy and Indo-Pacific vision. The leaders also exchanged views on regional cooperation through BIMSTEC, highlighting the importance of India's ties with Thailand.
Narendra Modi and Paetongtarn Shinawatra Meet at East Asia Summit
In a meeting on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between their countries. This was the first meeting between the two leaders, with Modi congratulating Shinawatra on her recent appointment as Prime Minister.
Modi also discussed India's "Act East" policy and Indo-Pacific vision, which aims to increase India's engagement with Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional cooperation through the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), highlighting the importance of India's ties with Thailand.
Background
India and Thailand have a long history of cooperation, dating back to the early days of both countries. In recent years, the two countries have strengthened their partnership in a number of areas, including trade, investment, defense, and security.
India is Thailand's largest trading partner in South Asia, and the two countries have set a target of $15 billion in bilateral trade by 2025. India is also a major investor in Thailand, with investments totaling over $10 billion.
In the defense and security realms, India and Thailand cooperate in a number of areas, including maritime security, counter-terrorism, and capacity building. The two countries also conduct joint military exercises on a regular basis.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of the meeting between Modi and Shinawatra?
This was the first meeting between the two leaders, and it provided an opportunity for them to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between India and Thailand. The meeting also highlighted the importance of India's "Act East" policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
2. What is India's "Act East" policy?
India's "Act East" policy is a strategic initiative that aims to increase India's engagement with Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The policy was launched in 2014, and it has since become a key pillar of India's foreign policy.
3. What is BIMSTEC?
BIMSTEC is a regional cooperation organization that includes Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. The organization was established in 1997, and it aims to promote cooperation in a number of areas, including trade, investment, tourism, and technology.
4. What is the current state of India-Thailand relations?
India and Thailand have a strong and growing partnership. The two countries cooperate in a number of areas, including trade, investment, defense, and security. India is Thailand's largest trading partner in South Asia, and the two countries have set a target of $15 billion in bilateral trade by 2025.
5. What are the future prospects for India-Thailand relations?
The future prospects for India-Thailand relations are positive. The two countries have a strong foundation of cooperation, and they are both committed to strengthening their partnership. India's "Act East" policy is expected to provide a further boost to India-Thailand relations.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand's first visit to India aims to enhance and expand the bilateral relationship between India and Canada. Prime Minister Modi and Anand discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in various sectors such as trade, technology, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges. This visit comes after PM Modi's productive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney during the G7 Summit earlier this year. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held discussions with Anand to restore and reinvigorate the mechanisms necessary to advance the partnership between the two countries.
In a significant step towards easing tensions between Israel and Hamas, a second group of 13 Israeli hostages has been released and handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross. These hostages were held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the 2023 conflict between the two countries. Their safe transfer to Israeli authorities marks a major milestone in the humanitarian arrangement under the recent ceasefire agreement. This development has brought great relief to the families of the hostages and signals a more stable situation in Gaza, closely monitored by the U.S. and regional leaders.
Lahore, Pakistan erupts in chaos and violence as members of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik party take to the streets to protest the alleged shooting and critical injury of their leader Saad Rizvi by Pakistani security forces. The TLP claims that over 180 protesters have been killed and over 1900 are critically injured in the clash, making it one of the deadliest protests in recent history. The situation is becoming increasingly tense as rumors spread about Rizvi's condition and protesters continue to demand justice for the pro-Palestine movement in Pakistan.
The Indian Army is set to host the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries' Chiefs' Conclave, bringing together senior military leadership from 32 nations that contribute troops for UN peacekeeping missions. The three-day event in New Delhi will focus on addressing operational challenges, evolving threats, and the role of technology in strengthening UN peacekeeping efforts. India, being one of the largest contributors to UN missions, is taking the lead in convening this important forum for sharing best practices and building a shared understanding for future peacekeeping.
In a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza, seven Israeli hostages captured by Hamas in October 2023 have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross. This is part of a peace plan brokered by President Donald Trump which aims to bring an end to the two-year long fighting between Israel and Hamas. The release of the remaining 20 living hostages, as well as the bodies of the 28 dead hostages, is expected to follow shortly.
The Indian Army will be hosting the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries' Chiefs' Conclave in New Delhi, bringing together senior military leaders from 32 nations that play a crucial role in UN peacekeeping operations. The conclave aims to address operational challenges, evolving threats, and the role of technology and training in strengthening UN peacekeeping. Delegations from participating countries are expected to arrive on October 13 for this high-level forum, which reflects the idea of 'the world is one family'. This inclusive event will also feature exhibitions and bilateral discussions for shared capacity building and cultural exchanges between India and the 32 countries.
A recent outbreak of border clashes between the Pakistani military and Afghan Taliban has led to the displacement of thousands of Afghans and heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. As Afghan Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi visits India, the conflict has caused increased resentment and frustration from families affected by the violence. With China and America's interests at stake, pressure may be put on Pakistan to limit their retaliation, while fears of increased terrorist activity in Kashmir rise.
The Taliban's press conference at the Afghanistan Embassy in India was marked by the presence of women journalists, in stark contrast to their previous press conference where women were banned. However, the Taliban made sure to assert their control by raising their flag and removing the symbol of the previous regime. This sends a clear message that the Taliban is the legitimate authority in Afghanistan and they are now in control of the embassy in India. While the old Afghan staffers are fearful of retaliation, the Taliban confidently stated that everything on the embassy premises is now under their control.
A violent border clash between Afghan and Pakistani soldiers along the Durand Line has resulted in the deaths of 12 Pakistani soldiers. The clash is believed to be a response to recent Pakistani military actions in Afghanistan, including airstrikes targeting senior commanders of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Afghan forces allegedly launched a counterattack, successfully destroying several Pakistani military outposts and causing significant losses for the Pakistani side. The clash highlights the ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have been exacerbated by a recent visit to India by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Amidst rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban government has launched attacks on Pakistani troops near the border. The Taliban has claimed the attacks are in retaliation for Pakistan's violation of Afghan airspace and bombing of a market inside its border. The Pakistani government has condemned the Taliban's actions and has warned of retaliation, while accusing Afghanistan of harboring terrorists. This escalation coincides with the visit of the Afghan Taliban foreign minister to India, further complicating the delicate relationship between the two neighboring countries.