In a momentous meeting at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with Thai royalty, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida, exchanging insights on the rich cultural ties shared between India and Thailand. Both leaders delved into the recent initiative of transporting Lord Buddha’s relics from India to Thailand, recognising how this effort has fortified connections between the nations, enriched through centuries of social and cultural interactions.
Earlier in the day, alongside Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Modi visited the revered Wat Pho, known for its iconic Reclining Buddha statue. Here, he paid homage and contributed to the spiritual community by offering ‘Sanghadana’ to the senior monks and presenting a replica of the Ashokan Lion Capital, which stands as a testament to the enduring cultural heritage both nations share.
During his visit, Modi expressed gratitude for the excursion, appreciating the chance to engage with the historical and spiritual significance of Wat Pho. He noted the profound civilizational bonds root in Buddhist teachings that inspire countless followers across the globe. Modi’s interactions with monks further highlighted the shared values that enrich India-Thailand relations.
In a gesture celebrating Modi’s visit, the Thai government unveiled a postage stamp featuring 18th-century Ramayana mural paintings. In a reciprocal exchange, Prime Minister Shinawatra gifted Modi the Ti-Pitaka, a special edition of Buddhist scriptures, emphasising their mutual dedication to deepening spiritual connections. Modi extended a significant offer to send Buddha’s Relics from Gujarat to Thailand, allowing the Thai populace to pay their respects, especially after over four million had honoured the relics in the previous exchange.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Thailand’s King and Queen, exchanging views on their shared cultural ties, particularly around Buddhism. His visit to Wat Pho highlighted historical connections, and in recognition of goodwill, he offered Buddha’s relics to Thailand and received commemorative gifts reflecting their intertwined heritage.
The meeting between PM Modi and Thai royalty signifies a robust exchange of cultural heritage, with both leaders emphasising the links fostered by Buddhism. The visit to Wat Pho exemplified the enduring spiritual ties, while mutual gifts symbolised goodwill and an intention to strengthen civilizational bonds further. Such initiatives promise to enhance the people-to-people relations between India and Thailand, fostering deeper integration of their shared histories.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
