The leaders discussed ways to boost cooperation in areas like trade, investment, tourism, culture, and education, with a focus on linking India’s northeastern states with Thailand. “Today, we have decided to elevate our relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership,” Modi said following his talks with Shinawatra in Bangkok on the eve of the BIMSTEC Summit.
At a joint press conference after the talks, Modi stated: “In the Indo-Pacific, we both support a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order. We believe in the policy of vikaasvaad, not vistaarvaad (development-ism, not expansionism).” This was subtle message to China in the context of its claims in the South China Sea region.
He referred to India’s backing for the unity and central role of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in regional affairs. Modi highlighted Thailand’s importance in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia, and its broader Indo-Pacific goals. The leaders also talked about setting up a ‘Strategic Dialogue’ between their security agencies to deepen coordination.
