India Envisages Proactive Engagement with South-East Asia: Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj

Describing Thailand as an important pillar of India's policy and a valued partner, she said the relationship between the two countries has expanded to virtually all areas of bilateral cooperation in recent years.

"Our bilateral relations with Thailand are based on deep- rooted cultural, religious and neighbourly association between the people of our two nations. Our common heritage of Buddhism and the philosophy of compassion, tolerance, non-violence and peace have laid strong foundations for this relationship," she said.

"I am pleased to see that so many of you are in the leadership positions in corporates in Thailand and the region. In you I see the strength of our people-to-people relations. And in you I also see an influential group of leaders who can contribute to the economic growth of both Thailand and India," she told the leading Indian business leaders here. She said her government is working on the simple 3C mantra - Commerce, Culture and Connectivity.

"In all these three areas I cannot overemphasise the importance of Thailand. We have embarked on ambitious projects for land connectivity with Thailand through Myanmar. We are also working on enhancing our sea connectivity with Thailand which is a maritime neighbour of India," she said.

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