ASEAN Summit: Modi meets state heads of Thailand, Indonesia; skips meeting Malaysian PM in Bangkok
But Modi did not meet Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad who had raised the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last month.
NEW DELHI. On an official visit to Bangkok for attending the 35th ASEAN Summit, 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) and 16th India-ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met state heads of Thailand and Indonesia on the sidelines of these events on November 3.
Modi and Prime Minister of Thailand Gen(Retd.) Prayut Chan-o-cha and President of Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo took out times from their scheduled meetings and summits and met separately in Bangkok.
Modi, however, did not meet Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad who had joined Turkey and China in raising the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and had accused India of “invading and occupying the country” of Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, the bilateral relations between the two countries have strained.
Modi’s meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand
During the meeting Modi and Gen (Retd.) Prayut Chan-o-cha reviewed the progress made in the bilateral relationship and noted that frequent high-level meetings and exchanges at all levels have created positive momentum in the relationship, stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India release.
Noting the enhanced engagement in defence and security fields, both sides agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in the defence industries sector. Welcoming 20% growth in bilateral trade last year, leaders decided to task the trade officials to discuss ways and means to enhance trade and investment.
According to MEA the Prime Ministers also discussed ways to enhance connectivity between the two countries including in the areas of physical and digital connectivity. Both leaders welcomed the growing air connectivity between the two countries and the start of a direct flight between Bangkok and Guwahati and also finalization of agreements for cooperation between Ranong Port, Thailand and Indian ports in Kolkata, Chennai, and Vishakapatnam.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. PM Modi thanked Thai PM for the invitation extended to him to attend the ASEAN related meetings, and also congratulated him on his leadership as Chair of ASEAN. He positively assessed the contribution of Thailand as the Country Coordinator for India-ASEAN Strategic Partnership for further strengthening this relationship.
India and Thailand are close maritime neighbors having historical and cultural linkages. In the contemporary context, India’s ‘Act East’ policy is complimented by Thailand’s ‘Look West’ policy which has made the relationship deep, robust and multifaceted.
Modi’s meeting with the President of Indonesia
PM Modi congratulated President Widodo on the start of his second term as the President of Indonesia and conveyed that as the world’s two largest democratic and plural societies, India is committed to working with Indonesia to strengthen ties in the areas of defence, security, connectivity, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
Noting that India and Indonesia are close maritime neighbours, both leaders reiterated their commitment to work together for peace, security, and prosperity in order to achieve their shared vision on maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders discussed the threat of extremism and terrorism and agreed to work closely bilaterally and globally to tackle this menace, stated the MEA release.
Prime Minister Modi had a forward-looking discussion on enhancing bilateral trade and highlighted the need for greater market access for Indian commodities including, pharmaceutical, automotive and agricultural products. While noting that Indian companies have made substantial investments in Indonesia, PM Modi invited Indonesian companies to use the opportunities presented in India for investment.
Prime Minister Modi invited President Widodo to visit India at a mutually convenient time next year.
India attaches high priority to its bilateral relationship with Indonesia, with which it shares a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This year, India and Indonesia are also commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
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