PM Modi calls for strong defence, maritime ties between India, Thailand
NEW DELHI: Laying firm emphasis on cooperation in the fields of defence and maritime cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said rapid spread of terrorism and radical ideology poses a threat to societies of both India and Thailand.
Addressing a joint statement with his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-ocha, Prime Minister Modi said close security partnership and deeper engagement in maritime patrolling was the need-of-hour for both the countries.
“Today, Prime Minister and I reviewed the full range of our bilateral engagement. From culture to commerce; from closer contacts between our peoples to deeper connectivity; and from counter-terrorism to defence and security. We are both aware that rapid spread of terrorism and radical ideology poses a common challenge to both our societies. And, we also recognize that our close security partnership would help us to secure our peoples from these threats,” Prime Minister Modi said.
“In our shared objective to combat these challenges, India is particularly grateful to Thailand for its assistance and cooperation. Beyond terrorism, we have agreed to further deepen our security engagement in the fields of cyber security, narcotics, transnational economic offenses and human trafficking,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi called for sharing of expertise and experiences between both nations, particularly stressing on building linkages in the field of defence, R&D and production.
He also said that cooperation in counter-piracy on seas and deeper engagement in naval patrolling were also key aspects that came up during the talks.
The Thai Prime Minister earlier met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj after being accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Accompanied by his deputy, five senior ministers and a 46 -member business delegation, the Thai Prime Minister arrived in New Delhi yesterday for a three-day visit aimed at reviewing bilateral relations.
The Thai Prime Minister, who was received by Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on his arrival, is visiting the country on the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.