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.
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