PM Modi to hold talks with Thai counterpart, discuss South China Sea

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday will meet his Thailand counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is on a three-day visit to India.

The meeting between both the leaders is likely to focus on exploring ways to expand maritime security cooperation, deal with threat of terrorism and boost trade. Prime Minister Modi will host lunch in honour of his Thai counterpart. There are indications that both the leaders will discuss the situation in the South China Sea. 

The Thai Prime Minister will also call on Vice President M Hamid Ansari. Chan-o-cha will visit Bodhgaya on Saturday before returning to Thailand. Earlier, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had paid a State visit to India in January 2012 and was the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations.

Thailand has shown interest in joint ventures in defence production and procurement of defence platforms from India. The Thai Prime Minister, who arrived here yesterday, is accompanied by his spouse Naraporn Chan-o-cha and a high-level delegation comprising several cabinet ministers, senior officials and a 46-member business delegation.