Emphasizing vibrant partnership in many regions between India and Thailand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Thailand’s ‘Act West’ policy complement each other and promote mutual progress and prosperity.
Mr. Modi expressed his views through a video message during a dialogue program held in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand on Friday, saying that the conference is a symbol of another successful chapter in the friendship of both India and Thailand.
The Prime Minister remembered former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the occasion and said that the idea of dialogue had emerged from their conversation in 2015. Since then, Dialogue has traveled to various countries, and has promoted debate, dialogue and intensive understanding. He said that Thailand is a beautiful example of the common philosopher and spiritual traditions of Asia.
Shri Modi referred to the deep cultural relations between India and Thailand for more than two thousand years, saying that Ramayana and Ramkien connect both countries and their shared reverence for Lord Buddha units. Emphasizing vibrant partnership in many regions between India and Thailand, he said that India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Thailand’s ‘Act West’ policy complement each other, which promote mutual progress and prosperity. He said that this conference is a symbol of another successful chapter in friendship between the two countries.
Highlighting the theme of the dialogue program, Shri Modi said that people often mention Asia’s economic uplift, but this conference highlights that the Asian century is not only about economic value but also about social values. He emphasized that Lord Buddha’s education can guide the world to make the world peaceful and progressive, and his knowledge has the power to lead a human-centric future.
Regarding avoiding one of the main subjects of dialogue- the Prime Minister said that struggles often arise from the belief that only one way is right while others are wrong. He cited the insight of Lord Buddha on this issue, saying that some people cling to their own thoughts and argue only one side as correct. He insisted that there can be many approaches on the same issue. He cited the Rigveda, saying that when we accept that the truth can be seen from various perspectives, we can avoid conflict.
Shri Modi highlighted another reason for the struggle- to consider others to be fundamentally different from himself. He said that differences lead to distance and the distance can change in discord. To compete this, he cited a verse in Dhammapada, stating that everyone is afraid of pain and death. He emphasized that by considering others like himself, we can ensure that there is no loss or violence. He said that if these words are followed, conflict can be avoided.
The Prime Minister said, “Many issues in the world arise from adopting a extreme stance rather than a balanced approach.” He said that extremist thoughts give rise to health problems related to struggle, environmental crisis and even stress. He emphasized that the solution to these challenges lies in the teachings of Lord Buddha, who urged us to follow the medium path and avoid extremism. He said that the principle of restraint is still relevant today and provides guidance in solving global challenges. The Prime Minister said that today struggles are moving beyond people and nations, humanity is growing rapidly in struggle with nature. He said that this has created an environmental crisis which is a threat to our planet. He emphasized that this challenge lies in the common traditions of North Asia, which lies in the principles of Dhamma. He said that Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism and other Asian traditions teach us to live in harmony with nature. He said that we consider ourselves not separate from nature but a part of it.
Shri Modi highlighted the concept of Mahatma Gandhi’s trusteeship and emphasized that while using natural resources for progress today, we should also consider our responsibility towards future generations. He said that this approach ensures that resources are used for development, not for greed. Shri Modi said that he is from Vadnagar, which is a small city in western India, which was once a major center of Buddhism education. In the Indian Parliament, he represents Varanasi, including Sarnath, the holy place where Lord Buddha gave his first discourse. He said that it is a beautiful coincidence that places associated with Lord Buddha have shaped his journey. The Prime Minister said, “Our reverence for Lord Buddha reflects in the policies of the Government of India.”
