Dhaka, April 3 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he plans to meet with the leaders of the BIMSTEC nations to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation, always considering the welfare of their citizens.
“I am looking forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC nations and engaging constructively to enhance our cooperation, keeping the well-being of our citizens at heart,” Modi stated in his departing message before embarking on his trip to Thailand and Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Bangladesh views this year’s BIMSTEC Summit, which is set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4, as highly significant for the nation since Bangladesh will take over the leadership of the organization for the coming two years.
Dhaka believes the summit will offer them a chance to showcase a “fair and equitable” Bangladesh within South and Southeast Asia, according to officials who spoke this week.
Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor, will arrive in Bangkok on Thursday afternoon for the summit, according to an announcement made by his Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, to UNB.
Dhaka officials mentioned that Dr. Yunus is expected to meet with Prime Minister Modi during the margins of the BIMSTEC Summit, though they provided no additional details.
Dr. Yunus departs for Bangkok to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.
Michael Kugelman, an analyst specializing in South Asian affairs, stated based on reports from Bangladeshi media that Modi is scheduled to meet with Yunus during the BIMSTEC event taking place in Thailand this week.
“If accurate, this would mark the largest India-Bangladesh diplomatic advancement since Hasina’s departure from office,” Kugeman stated in a tweet posted via his verified X account.
Following an invite from Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Indian Prime Minister Modi embarked on an official trip to Thailand with the dual purpose of attending the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
In the last ten years, according to Modi, BIMSTEC has become an important platform for fostering regional growth, connecting areas, and boosting economic advancement in the Bay of Bengal area.
“Given its geographic position, India’s Northeastern area is centrally located within the BIMSTEC region,” stated the Indian Prime Minister.
While on an official visit, India’s Prime Minister will meet with Thailand’s Prime Minister Shinawatra and other leaders in the country. They share a mutual aim to strengthen the long-standing historical connections between their nations, rooted deeply in similar cultural values, philosophies, and spiritual beliefs.
Modi will make a two-day trip to Sri Lanka starting from April 4th until April 6th, coming directly from Thailand.
Following the remarkably successful trip made by President Disanayaka to India in December, this event took place.
“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.
ASEAN lawmakers aim to exclude Myanmar from BIMSTEC due to human rights worries.
He expressed his continued confidence that these visits will expand upon the groundwork laid in the past and help fortify their strong bonds for the betterment of both nations and the broader area.