Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a significant diplomatic tour from April 3 to 6, 2025, visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka. This journey underscores India’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and bilateral ties in South and Southeast Asia.
Participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand
On April 3, PM Modi will arrive in Bangkok at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to participate in the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, slated for April 4. This summit marks the first in-person meeting of BIMSTEC leaders since the 4th summit in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2018, with the 5th summit held virtually in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in March 2022. The theme for this year’s summit is “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient and Open,” focusing on enhancing collaboration in areas such as security, trade, investment, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
During his visit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Shinawatra on April 3 to review and advance India-Thailand relations. The two nations share deep-rooted cultural, linguistic, and religious connections, being maritime neighbors with a shared history.
State Visit to Sri Lanka
Following the BIMSTEC Summit, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This marks PM Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka and his longest stay to date, reflecting the importance India places on its relationship with the island nation.
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During the visit, PM Modi and President Dissanayake will review progress on initiatives outlined in the “Joint Vision for Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,” adopted during President Dissanayake’s state visit to India in December 2024. Discussions are expected to cover areas such as connectivity, economic cooperation, and energy partnerships. Notably, the leaders will finalize agreements related to the construction of the Sampur solar power plant in Trincomalee, a joint venture between the Ceylon Electricity Board and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).
PM Modi’s itinerary also includes meetings with senior Sri Lankan officials and political leaders, as well as the inauguration of development projects funded by Indian financial assistance in Anuradhapura. These engagements aim to deepen the multifaceted partnership between India and Sri Lanka, emphasizing shared cultural and historical ties.
Strategic Significance
This dual-nation tour highlights India’s dedication to its “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies, as well as the “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision. By participating in the BIMSTEC Summit and engaging in bilateral discussions, India seeks to promote regional stability, economic growth, and collaborative development in the Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi’s visits to Thailand and Sri Lanka are poised to reinforce India’s role as a key player in regional affairs, fostering partnerships that contribute to a prosperous and resilient Bay of Bengal community.
