Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic tour covering Thailand and Sri Lanka from April 3 to April 6, 2025. His visit aims to bolster India’s strategic and economic engagement in the region through high-level discussions and key agreements.
PM Modi’s Thailand Visit
The first leg of Modi’s tour will take him to Bangkok, where he will participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on April 4, hosted by Thailand, the current Chair of the regional grouping. Leaders from member nations will deliberate on enhancing institutional frameworks, capacity-building measures, and avenues for deeper collaboration in areas such as security, trade, connectivity, and climate resilience.
India has played an active role in strengthening BIMSTEC’s regional cooperation, particularly in maritime security, digital and physical connectivity, and skill development. Modi’s visit is expected to reinforce India’s commitment to the bloc’s long-term goals.
Beyond the summit, Modi will engage in a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on April 3. The two leaders will assess progress in their nations’ partnership and explore new areas of cooperation. India and Thailand share deep historical and cultural connections, which have translated into growing economic engagement in sectors like infrastructure, real estate, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
Thailand has significantly expanded its investments in India, with a notable milestone being the $453.29 million investment by Global Renewable Synergy Co., Ltd. in India’s renewable energy sector in 2021. Bilateral trade, supported by mechanisms like the India-Thailand Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), reached $16.04 billion in 2023, with Indian exports accounting for $5.92 billion and imports standing at $10.11 billion. The upcoming discussions are likely to focus on further trade facilitation and investment opportunities.
State Visit To Sri Lanka
Following his engagements in Thailand, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka for a State Visit from April 4 to April 6 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This visit marks a milestone in India-Sri Lanka relations, as Modi will be the first foreign leader to be hosted by President Dissanayake since he assumed office in September 2024.
Modi and Dissanayake will review progress on the Joint Vision for “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future”, which was established during the Sri Lankan President’s visit to India. The visit will also see discussions on strengthening economic cooperation, defence collaboration, and maritime security.
A key highlight will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation, marking the first such formal agreement between the two nations. This agreement is expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s military capabilities with Indian defence platforms, joint exercises, and maritime surveillance initiatives. India’s support comes amid concerns over China’s growing strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean, particularly at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port.
On the economic front, India and Sri Lanka are working on agreements between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) for debt restructuring and an extended currency swap arrangement. Another anticipated development is the unveiling of a tripartite partnership between India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE for the development of Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee oil tank farm, a strategic project aimed at enhancing energy security in the region.
PM Modi will also visit Anuradhapura to inaugurate development projects supported by Indian financial assistance, underscoring India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development. A key issue likely to be addressed during the visit is the ongoing detention of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan security forces for alleged maritime boundary violations. India has consistently raised this concern, seeking a long-term resolution through diplomatic dialogue.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s importance in India’s Neighbourhood First policy, highlighting India’s role as a dependable partner during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022. Modi’s visit is expected to reinforce this commitment, ensuring that both nations continue to work closely on mutual growth and stability.
