PM Modi in Thailand: India’s cultural diplomacy units stage for Bimstec summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bangkok on Thursday for a two-day go to to attend the sixth Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Financial Cooperation) Summit. Hours after arrival, PM Modi held bilateral assembly together with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, discussing a variety of problems with bilateral cooperation.

His arrival was marked by a heat reception from Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The go to underscores India’s dedication to fostering regional cooperation and showcasing its wealthy cultural heritage on the worldwide stage.

Upon touchdown at Don Mueang Airport, PM Modi was greeted with vibrant cultural shows by the Indian diaspora. Members of the Sikh group carried out Bhangra, whereas different teams showcased India’s various traditions. Highlights included Garba from Gujarat, Jain Navkar mantras, and a memento gifted by the Sikh group symbolising the Golden Temple.

The Iskcon group introduced the Bhagavad Gita, and a mesmerising dance efficiency based mostly on Thailand’s nationwide epic, Ramakien, captivated attendees. Ramakien, impressed by India’s Ramayana, displays the shared cultural ties between the 2 nations.

Bimstec Summit: Strengthening regional bonds

The Bimstec Summit, themed “Affluent, Resilient, and Open,” goals to boost collaboration amongst member states—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

PM Modi’s in depth discussions with Thai PM Shinawatra and the delegation-level talks between the 2 international locations coated problems with maritime cooperation and connectivity within the Bay of Bengal area.

On regional cooperation, key deliverables for the Bimstec Summit embrace Bangkok Imaginative and prescient 2030 and agreements on institutional capacity-building measures.

PM Modi sends a message

In his departure assertion, PM Modi emphasised Bimstec’s significance in selling regional growth and connectivity over the previous decade. With a mixed inhabitants of 1.7 billion and a GDP of $4.7 trillion, Bimstec represents a significant platform for fostering financial progress and safety in South and Southeast Asia.

PM Modi additionally despatched a veiled message to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who’s main the transition authorities following the toppling of the federal government of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 solely seven months after she received the parliamentary election. Yunus had earlier commented that Bangladesh was the gateway to the Bay of Bengal, saying that India’s Northeast was landlocked.

In his departure assertion, PM Modi stated India’s Northeast was
“on the coronary heart of the Bimstec”, dismissing Yunus’s assertion amid Bangladesh’s latest strikes to tilt the regional steadiness by inviting China to be a participant within the Indian subcontinent.

Bridging civilisations by means of cultural diplomacy

PM Modi’s go to to Thailand is a part of his broader technique to showcase India’s cultural heritage globally. Wherever he travels, Indian traditions take centre stage. Throughout his March 2025 go to to Mauritius, he supplied holy water from Triveni Sangam at Ganga Talao—a gesture symbolising religious unity between India and Mauritius. In Kuwait final 12 months, he met nationals famend for translating Mahabharata and Ramayana into Arabic.

Related cultural exchanges have marked his visits to Brazil, Guyana, Russia, Laos, and Italy. In Brazil, PM Modi witnessed Ramayana enactments in Rio de Janeiro alongside Vedic chants. In Guyana, kids carried out soulful Ram Bhajans throughout his welcome.

Russian nationals sang Krishna Bhajans in Kazan throughout his October 2024 go to. Laos welcomed him with Gayatri Mantra chants and a Lao Ramayana efficiency showcasing native variations of Indian epics.

Strengthening India-Thailand relations

India and Thailand share deep civilisational bonds rooted in linguistic, cultural, and spiritual ties. This relationship has been additional cemented by means of initiatives just like the latest exposition of Lord Buddha’s relics throughout 5 Thai cities — a testomony to their shared Buddhist heritage.

Moreover attending the Bimstec Summit, PM Modi will maintain
bilateral talks together with his counterpart Shinawatra throughout his Thailand go to. As maritime neighbours and useful companions below India’s Act East coverage, Thailand performs an important function in India’s Indo-Pacific imaginative and prescient. PM Modi’s second go to to Thailand builds on constructive bilateral momentum established throughout his 2019 Asean Summit participation.

PM Modi’s Thailand go to goals to mix cultural diplomacy with regional cooperation in opposition to the backdrop of a fast-changing international order, principally over US President Donald Trump’s coverage choices since late January. By showcasing India’s traditions at worldwide boards equivalent to Bimstec, PM Modi continues to strengthen ties with international companions whereas celebrating India’s wealthy heritage on the world stage.

PM Modi introduced with “The World Tipitaka”

In a big second of cultural and religious diplomacy, PM Modi was introduced with “The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Version” by the Thai prime minister.

The Tipitaka (in Pali) or Tripitaka (in Sanskrit) is a revered compilation of Lord Buddha’s teachings, consisting of 108 volumes and considered the principal Buddhist scripture.

The version introduced to PM Modi is a meticulously crafted model written in Pali and Thai scripts, guaranteeing the correct pronunciation of over 9 million syllables.

This particular version was printed in 2016 as a part of the World Tipitaka Venture by the Thai authorities to commemorate the 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit.

A number of MoUs signed

The 2 leaders agreed to raise the bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. India and Thailand additionally exchanged memorandums throughout a variety of sectors.

The MoUs embrace Joint Declaration on the Institution of India-Thailand Strategic Partnership.

An MoU was exchanged between the Ministry of Digital Economic system and Society of Thailand and India’s Ministry of Electronics and Data Expertise on Cooperation within the fields of Digital Applied sciences, sources stated.

Sagarmala Division of India’s Ministry of Ports, Delivery and Waterways and Wonderful Arts Division, Ministry of Tradition, Thailand exchanged MoU for growth of Nationwide Maritime Heritage Advanced (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

A MOU was signed between Nationwide Small Company Ltd. (NSIC) and Workplace of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) of Thailand on co-operation within the subject of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

The Ministry of Improvement of North Japanese Area (MDONER) and Thailand’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs exchanged a MoU.

A MoU was additionally exchanged between North Japanese Handicrafts and Handlooms Improvement Company Ltd. (NEHHDC) and Thailand’s Artistic Economic system Company (CEA).