Explore
Settings

Settings

×

Reading Mode

Adjust the reading mode to suit your reading needs.

Font Size

Fix the font size to suit your reading preferences

Language

Select the language of your choice. NewsX reports are available in 11 global languages.
live News

Live Updates: PM Modi Arrives in Colombo For Two-Day State Visit to Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) in advancing global good during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on Thursday. Modi called for strengthening the forum and deepening engagement among member nations.

Proposals for Economic Growth and Cooperation

In his speech, PM Modi proposed a 21-point Action Plan, which covers a wide range of cooperation areas. He stressed the need to enhance business ties across BIMSTEC countries, announcing the establishment of the BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit. He also suggested a feasibility study on the possibility of trade in local currencies within the region.

Key Developments at the Summit

PM Modi welcomed several important developments, including the signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, the adoption of the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, and the endorsement of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group Report. The BIMSTEC Member States also approved the Summit Declaration.

Focus on Technology, Disaster Management, and Security

Addressing the summit, PM Modi underscored the potential of the IT sector and called for stronger technological collaboration. He also pointed to the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, stressing the importance of working together in disaster management. He announced the establishment of the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India. Modi also advocated for increasing cooperation in space technology and strengthening regional security.

Advertisement · Scroll to continue

Cultural and Youth Initiatives

The Prime Minister highlighted the BODHI initiative, which will train 300 youths from BIMSTEC countries in India every year. Additionally, he announced the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival to be held in India this year, emphasizing the power of cultural linkages in bringing nations closer.

Key Meetings on the Sidelines of the Summit

  • Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

  • He also met Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, reaffirming the strong friendship between India and Bhutan.

Future Visits: Sri Lanka Next on the Agenda

After the BIMSTEC Summit, PM Modi will head to Sri Lanka for the second leg of his tour. In Sri Lanka, he will hold talks with President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

PM Modi shares 21-point action plan for 6th Bimstec summit

Also Read: PM Modi Meets Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus At BIMSTEC Summit

Apr 4, 2025 21:51 IST

Looking Forward To Programmes In Sri Lanka, PM Modi Says

PM Modi expresses gratitude to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed him at the airport and says he is "looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka".

Apr 4, 2025 21:43 IST

PM Modi Arrives in Colombo For Two-Day State Visit to Sri Lanka

PM Modi is the first foreign head of government to be invited by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake since he took office in September 2024, official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, says in a post on X.

Apr 4, 2025 21:22 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Colombo

In a special welcome, despite the rain, six top ministers of Sri Lanka received him at the airport. Sri Lankan Ministers Vijitha Herath, Nalinda Jayatissa, Anil Jayantha, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Saroja Savithri Paulraj and Chrishantha Abeysena received PM Modi at the airport.

Apr 4, 2025 17:28 IST

PM Modi Emplanes for Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for Sri Lanka, from Bangkok in Thailand. The Prime Minister participated in the BIMSTEC Summit here.

Apr 4, 2025 17:27 IST

Bhutan PM Tobgay says 'mentor, elder brother' PM Modi has done much for bilateral ties

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has said that he considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his mentor and elder brother who has done much for the ties between two countries. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Tobgay said that PM Modi has been "extremely kind to him." He also talked about the support offered by the Indian government and PM Modi in Bhutan's 13th five-year plan.

Apr 4, 2025 16:12 IST

Bimstec Summit: India-Nepal Relations Is A Friendship Rooted in Historical And Civilizational Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli in Bangkok today. The discussions centered on strengthening the bilateral relationship, focusing on key areas such as development partnership, energy, people-to-people ties, and connectivity. Both leaders emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation between the two nations. India expressed its commitment to enhancing ties with Nepal and adding greater momentum to their partnership. The meeting highlighted the shared goals of fostering deeper collaboration and mutual growth, underscoring the strong friendship between India and Nepal.

Apr 4, 2025 16:08 IST

Bimstec Summit: Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay Calls PM Modi His 'Elder Brother

Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay expressed deep respect for PM Modi, saying, "I consider PM Modi as my elder brother. He guides me, so I consider him my mentor, and every meeting with him is special. This time, we touched on BIMSTEC's progress and India’s leadership in the region. I also mentioned listening to PM Modi’s interview with Lex Fridman, in both English and Hindi, despite not understanding much Hindi. I felt like I was listening to a spiritual master; it was very spiritually fulfilling."

Apr 4, 2025 16:04 IST

Bimstec Summit: Sheikh Hasina's Extradition Discussed During PM Modi's Talks with Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to Bangladesh's interim government, the issue of extraditing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was raised. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed this discussion in a press briefing, highlighting its importance in the bilateral talks between the two leaders. The extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who has faced legal and political challenges, was part of the broader conversations regarding cooperation between India and Bangladesh. The talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing significant matters of mutual interest, including security and diplomacy.  

Apr 8, 2025 07:43 UTC

Bimstec Summit: PM reiterated India's support for peaceful and democratic Bangladesh, says MEA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s support for a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh, emphasizing the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. The statement was made during recent interactions, reflecting India’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and stability, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Apr 4, 2025 14:54 IST

Bimstec Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartwarming update about his meeting with Bhutan's Prime Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartwarming update about his meeting with Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, on social media. Modi expressed his satisfaction with the strong and growing bond between India and Bhutan, stating, "Had a great conversation with my good friend, PM Tobgay. India’s friendship with Bhutan is robust." He highlighted the extensive cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, reflecting the strong bilateral ties. The conversation also focused on deepening collaboration, showcasing India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bhutan as part of its Neighbourhood First policy.