Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, where he will address regional leaders and make significant announcements aimed at reinforcing India’s commitment to regional cooperation. The summit, themed “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC,” will focus on enhancing collaboration in trade, security, and connectivity while endorsing the Bangkok Vision 2030.
India’s Strategic Role in BIMSTEC
As a founding member of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), India has played a pivotal role in shaping the regional cooperation agenda. Prime Minister Modi’s active participation underscores India’s strategic vision to foster regional partnerships, particularly with South and Southeast Asian countries.
Indra Mani Pandey, BIMSTEC Secretary General, expressed confidence in PM Modi’s participation, noting that the address is expected to include key declarations that will further enhance India’s involvement in regional initiatives. Speaking to ANI in Thailand, Pandey remarked, “PM will address BIMSTEC, and we are looking forward to his speech. I am sure there will be announcements and declarations reinforcing India’s role in strengthening regional cooperation through BIMSTEC.”
Bangkok Vision 2030 and Strategic Agreements
The BIMSTEC summit will be marked by the adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030, a comprehensive framework to guide regional growth and integration. The summit will also see the approval of the Eminent Persons Group Report and the signing of a maritime transport cooperation agreement, aiming to bolster connectivity among member states.
Despite the challenges posed by a recent earthquake in Thailand, the summit is proceeding as planned. Pandey praised Thailand’s commitment to hosting the event, stating, “It is commendable that despite the earthquake, Thailand has gone ahead with hosting the summit. We expect significant outcomes, including the summit declaration and the adoption of key agreements.”
Bilateral Engagements and Regional Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi’s recent meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra ahead of the summit signals a continued effort to strengthen bilateral relations within the BIMSTEC framework. Pandey emphasized the importance of these engagements, saying, “India has always played a vital role in advancing the BIMSTEC agenda. The recent bilateral meeting with Thai PM will further bolster the spirit of cooperation.”
Strengthening Cultural Ties
As part of cultural diplomacy, PM Modi announced that India would send the holy relics of Lord Buddha, discovered in Gujarat’s Aravalli in the 1960s, to Thailand for public worship. This gesture is seen as a significant step in deepening cultural connections between the two countries.
Bangladesh Takes the Chair
A notable development at the summit is the transfer of BIMSTEC chairmanship to Bangladesh. As a founding member and host of the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka, Bangladesh is expected to play a vital role in promoting economic cooperation, focusing on trade, investment, and the blue economy.
The BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok is poised to strengthen regional ties, driven by India’s active participation and leadership. As member states endorse the Bangkok Vision 2030, the focus remains on building a more prosperous and interconnected region.
