India and Thailand agreed on Thursday to strengthen the relationship between the two countries by upgrading it to a strategic partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that both nations support a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region based on rules. He also stated that they believe in development rather than expansionism.

Modi spoke at a joint press event with Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, after their delegation-level talks. During the meeting, they had detailed discussions on various areas of cooperation between the two countries. "We have emphasised cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between India's northeastern states and Thailand. We discussed enhancing mutual trade, investment and exchanges between businesses," Modi said about his talks with Shinawatra. He mentioned that agreements have been made for collaboration in MSME, handloom, and handicrafts.

Modi emphasised that Thailand plays an important role in India's 'Act East' Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. "Today, we have decided to elevate our relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership. Discussions were also held on establishing a Strategic Dialogue' between security agencies," Modi said.

He said India fully backs ASEAN unity and ASEAN Centrality. "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)," Modi said. "I am grateful to the Thai government for issuing a special postage stamp based on the 18th-century Ramayana' mural paintings on the occasion of my visit," he said. Modi said that Prime Minister Shinawatra gave him the Tripitaka as a gift.

"On behalf of the Buddha-land India, I accepted it with folded hands," he added. India and Thailand have shared a deep cultural and spiritual bond for centuries, he said. Modi mentioned that Buddhism has created a strong connection between the people of both countries at every level.

"There has been an exchange of scholars from Ayutthaya to Nalanda. The tale of the Ramayana is deeply woven into Thai folk life," he said. "And, the influence of Sanskrit-Pali is still reflected in the languages and traditions today," he said. Modi expressed condolences on behalf of the Indian people for the lives lost in the earthquake on March 28. "We pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured," he said.

Prime Minister Modi arrived for a two-day visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC summit. Upon his arrival, he received a Guard of Honour and watched a captivating performance of Ramakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana. Later, he will join leaders from BIMSTEC member countries—Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan—to witness the signing of the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation. 

However, after completing his visit to Thailand, he will head to Sri Lanka, marking his first trip to the country since its new president took office. At the BIMSTEC summit, Modi will meet Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing, along with other leaders. Before leaving for the summit, Modi said that BIMSTEC has played an important role in boosting regional development, improving connectivity, and supporting economic growth in the Bay of Bengal region over the past ten years.