Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Thailand wherein he held delegation-level talks with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The prime minister arrived in the country on a two-day visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC summit. PM Modi said that India believes in the policy of “development-ism”, not “expansionism”.
“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,” ANI quoted PM Modi as saying.
“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,” he said.
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.”
“We have decided to elevate India-Thailand ties to level of strategic partnership,” PM Modi said.
