India, Thailand discuss strengthening strategic partnership

Bangkok, June 30 (IANS) India and Thailand on Tuesday discussed ways to deepen their strategic partnership by expanding bilateral trade and investment during a meeting between India’s Ambassador to Thailand, Puneet Agrawal, and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Thailand stated, “Ambassador Puneet Agrawal paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, today.”

“Discussions focused on further strengthening India-Thailand Strategic Partnership by enhancing bilateral trade and investment ties in a balanced manner, religious, cultural and people to people linkages, connectivity initiatives and greater coordination on regional issues, among others,” it added.

India and Thailand elevated their bilateral ties to Strategic Partnership in April last year during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangkok.

Earlier in March, PM Modi congratulated Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as Thailand’s Prime Minister and expressed readiness to work closely with him.

In his congratulatory message on X, PM Modi stated, “Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul on his election as Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. I look forward to working closely with him. Together, we will further deepen the multifaceted India-Thailand Strategic Partnership. Our ties are rooted in shared civilisational heritage, close cultural connect and vibrant people-to-people ties. India and Thailand remain united in our shared aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity for our peoples.”

PM Modi shared congratulatory message after Charnvirakul, a candidate from the Bhumjaithai Party, was re-elected as Thailand’s PM after he secured a simple majority in a vote cast by the House of Representatives.

India and Thailand share warm bilateral ties. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1947. Both nations celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2022.

The ties between India and Thailand are multifaceted and cover various sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, connectivity, culture and tourism, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges, according to the Indian Embassy in Thailand statement. Thailand’s ‘Act West’ policy complements India’s ‘Act East’ policy.

–IANS

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