India projects North East as a major investment destination for Thailand

Keen to develop the infrastructure in the North East States, India today said that a trilateral highway connecting the north-east part of the country with Myanmar and Thailand will be mutually beneficial for everyone.

By Sanjay KumarBangkok, Sept 14 : Keen to develop the infrastructure in the North East States, India today said that a trilateral highway connecting the north-east part of the country with Myanmar and Thailand will be mutually beneficial for everyone.

"The idea of a road link between India and Thailand cannot but captivate one's imagination. For India it would mean road connectivity with all of ASEAN. For Thailand it would mean road connectivity with a market of more than a billion people. For both countries, the trilateral highway would be a highway to greater prosperity", External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.

In his address at a seminar here, Mukherjee said that India's North East has lagged behind the rest of the country in terms of infrastructure and industrial development due to difficult geographical location.

"We hope that soon all of Thailand will also get to know North East India, and that our Look East Policy, the India-Thailand relationship and the trilateral highway project will change the North East of India from being landlocked to being land linked. While this is a long-term vision, it is also one that drives forward our bilateral relationship", he added.

Both countries today discussed ways and means to deepen economic, political and strategic relations. Mukherjee held a wide-ranging discussion with his Thai counterpart Nitya Pibulsonggram, and bilateral cooperation on trade, defence, energy education, legal assistance and regional cooperation were also discussed.

Thai Foreign Minister termed the meeting with his Indian counter point 'action oriented'.

"We have agreed on renewable energy, education, atomic energy for peace, scientific and technological cooperation", remarked Pibulsonggram. Thailand is India's fourth largest trading partner in the ASEAN, and is the first country in the ASEAN with which India has signed Free Trade Area Agreement in 2003.

Later in the day Pranab Mukherjee called on the Thai King Bhumibol Aduliyadej, Prime Minister Surayuth Chulanond's, and Princes Mahachakri Sirindham, who hosted a dinner for Indian delegation at her palace.

Pranab Mukherjee is also paying two-day visit to South Korea beginning from Sunday, where he will co-chair fifth meeting for the Indo-Republic of Korea Joint Commission. India is also expected to seek Korea's support at the Nuclear Supplier Group.

ANI