PM Modi to Embark on Two-Nation Tour to Thailand and Sri Lanka Next Week for BIMSTEC Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Thailand and Sri Lanka from April 3 to 6. A key highlight of the trip will be his participation in the sixth BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit in Bangkok on April 4. This visit aligns with India's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation under the newly announced 'MAHASAGAR Policy.'

PM Modi to visit Thailand, Sri Lanka (File)Image Source : PTI

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that this will mark the prime minister's third visit to Thailand. "The prime minister's visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka, and his participation in the 6th BIMSTEC summit will reaffirm India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, 'Act East' policy, 'MAHASAGAR' vision, and vision of the Indo-Pacific," the MEA said. 

The vision of "MAHASAGAR" (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) was unveiled by PM Modi during his visit to Mauritius.

BIMSTEC summit 

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) consists of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan. Notably, this will be the first in-person meeting of BIMSTEC leaders since the 4th BIMSTEC Summit, which took place in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2018. The 5th BIMSTEC Summit, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was conducted virtually on March 22.

During the summit, leaders are expected to discuss strategies to enhance and accelerate BIMSTEC cooperation.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs announced, "The Leaders are also expected to discuss various institution and capacity building measures to augment collaboration within the BIMSTEC framework." 

"India has been taking a number of initiatives in BIMSTEC to strengthen regional cooperation and partnership, including in enhancing security; facilitating trade and investment; establishing physical, maritime and digital connectivity; collaborating in food, energy, climate and human security; promoting capacity building and skill development; and enhancing people-to-people ties," it added.

Apart from BIMSTEC, PM Modi is scheduled to hold a meeting with his Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra on April 3. The MEA said the two prime ministers are expected to review bilateral cooperation and chart the way for future partnership between the countries.

PM Modi Set to Visit Sri Lanka

During the second phase of his visit, the Prime Minister is set to review the progress of previously agreed-upon areas of cooperation with Sri Lanka, alongside Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The two nations had outlined a joint vision document during Dissanayake's visit to India three months ago.

Marking his fourth visit to the southern neighbor, Modi is expected to engage in discussions on key aspects of bilateral ties, including physical, digital, and energy connectivity.

In addition to plans for electricity grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines, both countries had also agreed on the supply of Indian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to power Sri Lanka’s energy sector.

“We will witness the exchange of several MoUs pertaining to energy connectivity, digitalization, defence, health and multi-sectoral grant assistance. The two leaders will also witness the virtual groundbreaking of the Sampur Solar Power Project," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

The ongoing project in Eastern Sri Lanka, developed by state-run NTPC Ltd, has been hailed as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Misri emphasized India's strong interest in advancing specific projects in Sri Lanka that could serve as energy hubs.

Additionally, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with senior dignitaries and political leaders.

(This Article was originally published by India TV)