PM Modi's visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka

PM Modi's Visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka: Strengthening Ties

Published on April 3, 2025
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2 Min read time
PM Modi's visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka
Picture Credit: The Hindu

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PM Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka has begun. The trip aims to strengthen India’s ties with its neighbors and boost economic and strategic partnerships. His visit will include participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) Summit in Bangkok, followed by crucial diplomatic meetings in Sri Lanka. This visit is expected to enhance trade, security, and regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

PM Modi's visit to Thailand
Picture Credit: Hindustan Times

The Importance of PM Modi’s Visit

PM Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka comes at a crucial time when India is focusing more on regional partnerships. With SAARC’s activities slowing down, Bimstec has emerged as a key platform for economic and strategic cooperation. The summit will provide India an opportunity to strengthen its role in the region and engage with leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

The Bimstec Summit

The Bimstec Summit, hosted by Thailand this year, is a major event for regional development. PM Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka will see him meeting other leaders to discuss trade, connectivity, and economic growth. A maritime cooperation agreement is expected to be signed during the summit, which will boost security and trade in the Bay of Bengal.

Strengthening India-Thailand Relations

During his Thailand visit, PM Modi will meet Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and King Vajiralongkorn. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to improve trade and security ties. Thailand is an important trade partner for India, and this visit aims to bring both nations closer.

A possible informal meeting between PM Modi and Bangladesh interim government chief Muhammad Yunus is also being speculated, though no formal meeting has been scheduled.

A Step Towards Stronger Ties

After the Bimstec Summit, PM Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka will continue with his journey to Sri Lanka. This trip follows the visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India last December. The two leaders will review the progress made under their joint vision of ‘Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’.

India and Sri Lanka are expected to sign up to 10 agreements, including an important deal to refresh defence cooperation.

Economic and Trade Benefits

PM Modi’s visit is expected to boost economic cooperation, particularly in areas like trade, tourism, and technology. India’s northeastern region is at the heart of Bimstec, and this visit will help in developing stronger connections with neighboring countries.

India’s response to US tariffs on Indian exports is also a key topic during this visit. Hours before his departure, US President Donald Trump imposed 26% reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods. While a formal response is awaited, this visit will likely focus on expanding India’s trade partnerships within Asia.

A Positive Step for India’s Regional Leadership

PM Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka is a major step in strengthening India’s role in regional diplomacy. From participating in the Bimstec Summit to signing crucial agreements with Sri Lanka, this visit is packed with opportunities for growth and development.

With a focus on trade, security, and economic progress, this tour will not only strengthen India’s relations with Thailand and Sri Lanka but also enhance India’s strategic presence in the Bay of Bengal region.

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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