Modi to meet BIMSTEC country leaders, engage to strengthen collaboration

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will meet the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries to discuss ways for strengthening collaboration, keeping the interests of people in mind.

"I look forwards to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with interests of our people in mind," Modi said in his departure statement as he began his visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Bangladesh sees this year‍‍`s BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on April 4, "very important" for the country as it will assume the chairmanship of the grouping for the next two years.

Dhaka also thinks the summit will provide them with an opportunity to present a "just and inclusive" Bangladesh in South and Southeast Asia, officials said this week.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will reach Bangkok on Thursday afternoon to attend the Summit, his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

Officials in Dhaka indicated that there will be a meeting between Dr Yunus and Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit but did not elaborate further.

South Asian affairs analyst Michael Kugelman, referring to Bangladesh media rreport, said Modi will meet Yunus at BIMSTEC in Thailand this week.

"If true, this will be the biggest India-Bangladesh diplomatic development since (former Prime Minister Sheikh) Hasina’s ouster," Kugelman said in a message shared from his verified X handle.

At the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Indian Prime Minister Modi left for Thailand on an official visit and to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

Over the past decade, Modi said, BIMSTEC has emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region.

"With its geographical location, India’s North Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC," said the Indian Prime Minister.

During his official visit, the Indian Prime Minister will have the opportunity to engage with Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate our age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought.

From Thailand, Modi will pay a two-day visit to Sri Lanka from April 4-6.

This follows the highly successful visit of President Disanayaka to India last December.

"We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future” and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives," Modi said.

He said he remains confident that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening their close relationships for the benefit of their people and the wider region.