What happened?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Thailand and Sri Lanka from April 3 to 6 at the invitation of their respective leaders. During the visit, he will participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4, engaging with regional leaders to enhance cooperation under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). This will be the first in-person BIMSTEC summit since the 4th Summit in Kathmandu in 2018. The event will focus on security, trade, connectivity, food security, and capacity building under the theme “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient, and Open.”
On April 3, PM Modi is set to hold bilateral discussions with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reviewing bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
Following the BIMSTEC Summit, PM Modi will visit Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6, meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. Both leaders will assess progress on key initiatives under the “Joint Vision for Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future.” PM Modi will also visit Anuradhapura to inaugurate several development projects financed by India.
Why it matters to India
India sees BIMSTEC as a crucial regional platform to strengthen economic and security cooperation with South and Southeast Asian nations. The summit provides an opportunity for India to reinforce its leadership in regional connectivity, trade, and security frameworks. Strengthening ties with Thailand and Sri Lanka is key to India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First policies, ensuring deeper economic integration and strategic collaboration. PM Modi’s visit will also help enhance historical and cultural ties, while advancing India’s role as a key development partner in the region.