BANGKOK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held delegation-level talks with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok and said that the two leaders decided to elevate India-Thailand ties to level of strategic partnership.
Delivering a joint press statement after the talks, PM Modi expressed his condolences over the impact of the recent earthquake in Thailand. "On behalf of the people of India, I express deep sympathies for the loss of lives in the earthquake that hit on 28th March. We pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured."
Asserting that Thailand holds special place in India's 'Act East' Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, the prime minister said,"India and Thailand support free, open, inclusive, rule-based order; we believe in policy of development-ism, not expansionism."
PM Modi highlighted, "Today, we have decided to elevate our relationship to that of a strategic-level partnership. We have also agreed to establish strategic dialogue between our security agencies".
PM Modi highlighted the centuries-old cultural connect between the two countries and expressed gratitude to the Thai PM for the release of a special stamp based on Ramayana mural paintings from 18th century.
He said, "India and Thailand's centuries-old relations are connected through our deep cultural and spiritual ties. The spread of Buddhism has connected our people. From Ayutthaya to Nalanda, there has been an exchange of intellectuals. The tales of Ramayana are a part of Thai people's lives. The influence of Sanskrit and Pali are reflected in language and traditions even today. I am grateful to the Thailand government that during my visit, a commemorative stamp, based on Ramayana mural paintings from 18th century, was issued." (ANI)
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