India and Thailand Solidify Ties at BIMSTEC Retreat

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Thailand's Maris Sangiampongsa emphasized closer cooperation in various forums during the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat in New Delhi. The Thai minister's visit, marked by bilateral meetings and discussions, aimed at strengthening the India-Thailand partnership under respective regional policies.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Thailand counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa reiterated their commitment to closer cooperation in sub-regional, regional, and multilateral forums during Sangiampongsa's visit to New Delhi, which concluded on Saturday.

The Thailand Foreign Affairs Minister visited the national capital from July 11 to 13 for the 2nd Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Foreign Ministers' Retreat, hosted by Jaishankar. This visit also marked his first official trip to India. On Friday, Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with the Thai Minister and later hosted a lunch in his honor.

During the meeting, the ministers reviewed progress in political exchanges, defense and security ties, trade and investment opportunities, connectivity, science and technology, health cooperation, culture, and people-to-people interactions. 'The two ministers also exchanged views on mutual interests and affirmed their commitment to closer cooperation in various forums,' stated the Ministry of External Affairs.

Aligning with the vision of the two prime ministers, the foreign ministers reaffirmed a mutual desire for a stronger India-Thailand partnership. Thailand is a crucial partner for India within ASEAN, with India's 'Act East' Policy converging with Thailand's 'Act West' Policy as it marks its 10th anniversary in 2024.

The bilateral interactions have significantly contributed to reinforcing the ties between India and Thailand. The BIMSTEC Retreat provided a platform for foreign ministers of BIMSTEC nations to discuss enhancing cooperation in security, connectivity, trade, and other sectors across the Bay of Bengal region, stated the Ministry of External Affairs.

The first BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat was held in Bangkok on July 17, 2023. BIMSTEC is a regional organization connecting countries around the Bay of Bengal to promote economic growth and cooperation in areas including transportation, energy, and counter-terrorism.