BIMSTEC Summit: PM Modi reaffirms commitment to regional cooperation

IANS April 4, 2025 326 views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, reaffirming India's commitment to regional cooperation. He engaged with leaders from Bay of Bengal nations, discussing critical issues of connectivity and development. During the summit, Modi met with Myanmar's leader and expressed solidarity after their recent earthquake. The event highlighted India's diplomatic approach of Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, showcasing strategic regional engagement.

"BIMSTEC has emerged as a vital platform for regional development, connectivity, and economic progress" - PM Narendra Modi
Bangkok, April 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other BIMSTEC leaders, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors as he attended the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Friday.

Key Points

1

Modi elevates India-Thailand ties to Strategic Partnership

2

Discusses bilateral support with Myanmar leader

3

Extends humanitarian aid after Myanmar earthquake

4

Emphasizes regional cooperation across sectors

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit brings together leaders from India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Bhutan to enhance collaboration in connectivity, development, and regional economic integration.

PM Modi, Nepali PM K.P. Sharma Oli, Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay, Sri Lankan PM Harini Amarasuriya, Bangladeshi interim government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, and Myanmar's military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing were welcomed by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra upon arrival.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, "With fellow BIMSTEC leaders at the Summit being held in Bangkok, Thailand. We reaffirm our commitment to boosting cooperation across diverse sectors. May our efforts bring a positive difference in people's lives."

Earlier in the day, PM Modi met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar's military-led government, to discuss bilateral ties and India's support following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar.

"Met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Once again, expressed condolences on the loss of lives and damage of property in the wake of the recent earthquake," PM Modi shared on X.

"India is doing whatever is possible to assist our sisters and brothers of Myanmar in this critical time," he added.

India has been extending humanitarian aid under 'Operation Brahma' following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that claimed over 3,000 lives in Myanmar.

On Thursday, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Government House in Bangkok, where both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.

The discussions covered a wide range of cooperation areas, culminating in the signing of key agreements to further strengthen ties between the two nations.

Ahead of his visit, PM Modi highlighted BIMSTEC's importance in fostering regional prosperity, stating, "BIMSTEC has emerged as a vital platform for regional development, connectivity, and economic progress. I look forward to engaging with fellow leaders to deepen cooperation and ensure mutual benefits for our people."

His participation underscores India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, aligning with its broader Indo-Pacific vision.

The Summit serves as a platform for leaders to drive shared growth and regional stability.

Comments:

SR

Sarah K.

2 hours ago

Great to see regional cooperation getting stronger! The Bay of Bengal region has so much potential for economic growth. PM Modi's leadership in this initiative is commendable 👏

AM

Amit P.

1 hour ago

While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I wish there was more focus on concrete action plans. These summits often end with nice statements but we need measurable outcomes. Still, a step in the right direction.

PN

Priya N.

45 mins ago

Operation Brahma shows India's commitment to humanitarian causes in the region. Proud of our country extending help to Myanmar during their crisis ❤️

RK

Rajiv M.

30 mins ago

The strategic partnership with Thailand could be game-changing for trade and tourism! Can't wait to see what comes out of this. More direct flights between our countries please ✈️

LT

Lata T.

15 mins ago

Regional cooperation is the need of the hour. With so many shared challenges like climate change and economic recovery post-pandemic, BIMSTEC countries working together makes perfect sense.

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