Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a three-day diplomatic visit to Southeast Asia, beginning with Thailand where he is attending the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit. Following his engagements in Thailand, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka to further deepen bilateral relations with the island nation. Upon his arrival in Thailand, PM Modi was warmly received by members of the Indian community, highlighting the strong cultural and diaspora ties between the two countries. His official visit begins with a ceremonial welcome at the Government House in Bangkok, where he will meet with his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
 

A major highlight of his Thailand visit is his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit on Friday. The summit brings together key regional leaders, including Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Myanmar's military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, and leaders from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The summit aims to foster regional cooperation, especially in sectors such as connectivity, trade, security, and environmental sustainability. During the summit, leaders are expected to sign the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation, a landmark move that strengthens regional efforts on maritime security, port development, and sustainable fisheries. In addition to the agreement, the BIMSTEC grouping will formally adopt the Bangkok Vision 2030 document. This vision outlines clear priorities and actionable goals for transforming BIMSTEC into a region characterized by peace, economic growth, and resilience to climate change. The Bangkok Vision aims to enhance integration across member nations and reinforce BIMSTEC's relevance in the evolving geopolitical landscape of Asia.
 

PM Modi emphasized in his departure statement that India’s Northeast region serves as a vital gateway to the BIMSTEC countries, reinforcing India’s commitment to "Act East" and neighborhood-first policies. He underlined that the geographical positioning of Northeast India enables it to play a central role in regional connectivity and economic partnerships within the BIMSTEC framework. During his Thailand visit, PM Modi will also call on the country's royal family. He is scheduled to meet Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, and Queen Suthida. This high-level royal engagement is seen as a reaffirmation of the longstanding cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Thailand.
 

In addition to political meetings, PM Modi will visit Wat Pho, one of Thailand’s most iconic temples, which houses the massive reclining Buddha statue. Wat Pho is not only a spiritual center but also historically significant as Thailand's first institution for public education, offering teachings in religion, science, and literature. Following his engagements in Thailand, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka on Friday for a two-day visit. In Colombo, he will meet with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The leaders are expected to review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka partnership, which includes cooperation in trade, security, cultural exchange, energy, and technology. Both sides will also explore new avenues for future collaboration in emerging sectors such as digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and tourism.
 

The visit to Sri Lanka comes months after President Dissanayake’s own visit to India, continuing the positive diplomatic momentum between the two nations. Discussions are likely to include India’s developmental projects in Sri Lanka and enhanced maritime collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region. PM Modi expressed confidence that these visits would build upon the strong foundation of India’s past engagements and contribute to strengthening ties not only bilaterally but also across the wider South and Southeast Asian region. With strategic agreements on the table and regional connectivity as a central theme, the visit underscores India’s growing leadership role in promoting stability and development across the Bay of Bengal and beyond.