PM Modi welcomes Thai counterpart to India, seeks close economic, security ties

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended a warm welcome to his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha on his arrival in India and said the bond between the two nations are "founded on shared cultural heritage", which he hoped to strengthen with more robust business and strategic linkages.

Welcoming the Thai dignitary at a joint media session, PM Modi said, “You have come from a land that is very familiar to us.”

PM Modi stressed on close economic and strategic ties with Thailand and said that both sides have reviewed all bilateral agreements.

He said the completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway project is a top priority.

“We are also maritime neighbours, hence, we have agreed to forge a closer partnership in this sector,” he added.

PM Modi also sought closer ties in countering the menace of terrorism and said, “Our security partnership would secure our people.”

The Thai leader said, “PM Modi has agreed to encourage Indian businessmen to invest in Thailand, and I will encourage Thai businessmen to invest in India.”

Lauding PM Modi's call for enhanced people-to-people contacts, the Thai PM said India and Thailand have never had any problems in this area.

“Elevating our relationship will make our partnership even stronger in all areas,” he added.

To mark the close bond between the two nations, PM Modi announced that “Next year we will celebrate the festival of India in Thailand and of Thailand in India, this to mark 70 years of our diplomatic ties.”