India, Thailand elevate ties to strategic partnership

India and Thailand agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership as both the countries signed six memorandum of understandings (MoUs) on Thursday.

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The MoUs were filed following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with his Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok. The MoUs cover IT, culture, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), while India's north east ministry and Thai Foreign ministry also signed an MoU.

The MoUs signed between India and Thailand include: joint declaration on the establishment of India-Thailand strategic partnership; MoU between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India on cooperation in the fields of digital technologies; MoU between Sagarmala Division, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India and Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture of Thailand for development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

Additionally, three other MoUs include: MoU between National Small Industries Corporation Ltd (NSIC) of India and Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) of Thailand on co-operation in the field of micro, small and medium enterprises; MoU between the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and MoU between North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd (NEHHDC) of India and Creative Economy Agency (CEA) of Thailand.

In his address in Bangkok, the PM expressed his condolences to the bereaved families of the victims of the earthquake in the country March 28. He also wished speedy recovery to the injured.

Modi also stressed “civisational ties” between India and Thailand, while saying that the Buddhism connected the two lands centuries ago. He also highlighted the Ramayana and Sanskrit-Pali connect with Thailand.

He also praised Thailand for helping India in rescuing its citizens from the clutches of fraudsters, who had been tricked under the guise of providing jobs in South East region.

Earlier, the PM was accorded a warm reception at the Bangkok airport upon his arrival. Taking to X, Modi said, “Grateful for the warm welcome by the Indian community in Bangkok. India and Thailand share a deep-rooted cultural bond that continues to flourish through our people. Heartening to see this connection reflected so strongly here.”

Later, the PM also witnessed Ramakien performance, which is the Thai version of the Ramayana.

“A cultural connect like no other! Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between the two nations. The Ramayana continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia,” he said.

The PM was also presented “The World Ti-pitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition” by Thailand PM Shinawatra. It was brought out by the Thai government in 2016 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit of Thailand's 70-year reign. It is a compilation of Lord Buddha’s teachings with accurate pronunciation of the Pali Tipiṭaka's over nine million syllables.

Meanwhile, Thailand released a special stamp based on Ramayana mural paintings from the 18th century during Modi's visit to the country.