EAM’s Opening Remarks during meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand

Excellency, very warm welcome to you and your delegation on your first official visit as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. We had a meeting in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit and at that time, we had agreed to meet for a more detailed discussion. So, I am really very, very glad that you could accept my invitation and be here today.

Before I come to our relationship, Excellency, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother of Thailand. I also take the opportunity to convey our respects and warm wishes for the good health of Their Majesties and for the Thai national day, which is coming up on the 05th of December.

Excellency, India and Thailand have historically shared close and friendly ties. We value Thailand as a long time friend apart from being an important maritime neighbour. India's ‘Act East' Policy has found a sort of match in Thailand’s ‘Act West' Policy.

Our ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangkok in April 2025 for the BIMSTEC Summit and for his Official Visit. Several agreements including in the fields of handloom and handicrafts, digital technologies, MSMEs, and maritime heritage were signed on that occasion.

So, in that background, given the rapidly evolving geo-political and geo-economic environment which impacts both of us, we believe that a regular exchange of views on pressing issues is very useful. I think we have many common interests including in our region. I particularly look forward to a deep discussion, on the situation in Myanmar during your stay. Once again, my warmest welcome and I would request you to make your opening remarks.

New Delhi
December 01, 2025