BANGKOK (March 28): India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to Thailand from April 3 to 4, with the two countries set to elevate their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

In a statement, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit marks Modi’s first official trip to Thailand and the first by an Indian leader in 12 years.

The visit, which is at the invitation of Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, will include a bilateral meeting between the two leaders.

“Both sides will discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in various areas, including political and defence collaboration, trade and investment, connectivity; and science, technology, and innovation — particularly space technology, where India excels.

“Both leaders will also exchange views on regional and global geopolitical issues of mutual interest, as well as cooperation within multilateral frameworks,” the ministry said on Friday.

Paetongtarn and Modi are expected to witness the signing of several agreements.

During the visit, Thailand's Foreign Ministry said cultural cooperation — which forms a strong foundation for Thailand–India relations — will also be discussed, with a focus on fostering people-to-people connections and promoting tourism.

Modi is scheduled to attend the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit on April 4, which will be hosted by Thailand.

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