In a significant diplomatic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on April 3, 2025, for a strategic four-day visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka. This trip underscores India’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with its neighboring countries, enhancing trade, cultural exchanges, and security cooperation. The visit is expected to boost India’s “Act East” and “Neighborhood First” policies while reinforcing its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
In This Article:
Thailand Visit: Focus on BIMSTEC and Bilateral Engagements
Attending the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok
PM Modi’s first stop is Bangkok, Thailand, where he will participate in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit. BIMSTEC, a regional organization consisting of seven nations—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—aims to promote economic and regional connectivity.
- Key Discussions at the Summit:
- Trade and investment facilitation
- Digital and physical connectivity
- Counterterrorism cooperation
- Sustainable development initiatives
- Strengthening the supply chain resilience in the region
Modi is expected to emphasize the importance of BIMSTEC in promoting regional integration, focusing on infrastructure, trade, and security.
Bilateral Talks with Thai Leadership
Apart from the summit, PM Modi will hold crucial bilateral discussions with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, focusing on:
- Strengthening economic and trade relations
- Expanding defense cooperation
- Enhancing maritime security and counterterrorism efforts
- Promoting tourism and cultural exchanges
PM Modi will also meet King Vajiralongkorn to reaffirm India’s historic and cultural ties with Thailand.
India-Thailand Relations: A Brief Overview
- Bilateral trade between India and Thailand was valued at $15 billion in 2024.
- Thailand is India’s fourth-largest trading partner in ASEAN.
- Tourism ties: Over 2 million Indian tourists visited Thailand in 2024, making India one of Thailand’s top tourist sources.
- Defense collaboration includes joint military exercises like Maitree (Army) and Siam Bharat (Air Force).
Sri Lanka Visit: Strengthening Ties and Economic Stability
Economic and Strategic Discussions in Colombo
After concluding his engagements in Thailand, PM Modi will travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 4, 2025. His visit is aimed at further strengthening India’s economic and strategic ties with its southern neighbor.
- India has been a key economic partner in Sri Lanka’s post-pandemic recovery, providing financial aid, investment, and trade support.
- Bilateral trade between India and Sri Lanka reached $7 billion in 2024, with India being Sri Lanka’s top trading partner.
- Modi’s visit will also focus on reviewing progress on the India-Sri Lanka multi-product petroleum pipeline and electricity grid connectivity project.
Meetings with Sri Lankan Leadership
PM Modi will hold talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to discuss key issues, including:
- Debt restructuring: India’s continued financial support for Sri Lanka’s economic stability
- Energy cooperation: Expanding renewable energy projects, including solar and wind farms
- Defense and maritime security: Strengthening cooperation in anti-piracy, counterterrorism, and regional security
- Infrastructure development: Indian investment in Sri Lankan ports, roads, and railway projects
Cultural and Historical Ties Between India and Sri Lanka
- Buddhist Connection: India is actively promoting Buddhist heritage tourism in Sri Lanka.
- Indian Investments: Major Indian companies, including Tata, Infosys, and Reliance, have significant business interests in Sri Lanka.
- Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka Relations: Special attention will be given to addressing concerns of Sri Lankan Tamils and fishermen issues.
Geopolitical and Economic Implications of Modi’s Visit
India’s Strategic Push in the Indo-Pacific
PM Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka comes at a time when China’s growing influence in South and Southeast Asia is a pressing concern. By engaging with these nations, India aims to:
- Counterbalance China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in the region.
- Strengthen maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
- Enhance trade ties to boost economic resilience.
- Push for digital and infrastructure connectivity within BIMSTEC nations.
Boosting Trade and Economic Growth
- India is expected to sign several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Thailand and Sri Lanka to facilitate economic growth.
- The focus will be on enhancing trade partnerships, technology transfer, and infrastructure projects.
- India’s initiatives in digital payments, fintech, and startups will be discussed with both nations.
Moving Forward: Strengthening India’s Global Standing
PM Modi’s visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka is set to enhance India’s regional influence, strengthen economic ties, and reinforce strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The engagements in BIMSTEC, trade discussions, and security collaborations will further solidify India’s position as a key player in Asia’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
This visit reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering mutual growth and regional prosperity, making it a crucial step towards a stronger, more interconnected South and Southeast Asia.
By – Nikita
