Bangkok: Reinforcing their centuries-old spiritual and cultural bond, India and Thailand have pledged to deepen cooperation in promoting global peace through the teachings of Buddhism under the initiative titled “Two Countries with One Vision – Thailand and India.”
Addressing a special programme focused on peace-building, India’s Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Puneet Agarwal, highlighted the enduring connection between the two nations rooted in the legacy of Lord Buddha. He noted that while India is the land of Buddha’s enlightenment, Thailand remains one of the world’s most vibrant centres of Buddhist practice, making both countries natural partners in advancing the values of compassion, non-violence and harmony.
The event, supported by the World Buddhist Federation, emphasized strengthening international Buddhist ties and fostering greater engagement with India’s sacred Buddhist heritage. The Federation expressed its commitment to expanding cooperation with Indian institutions through pilgrimages, cultural exchanges and academic collaborations.
Representing the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), Dr Arvind Kumar Singh described Bodh Gaya as a universal symbol of peace and underscored the growing influx of international pilgrims, particularly from Thailand. He called for enhanced collaboration in infrastructure development, heritage conservation and visitor services.
Speakers stressed that Buddhist principles can offer meaningful solutions to modern challenges such as social tensions and mental stress. They emphasized that stronger India-Thailand cooperation would encourage dialogue, mutual understanding and people-to-people connections.
The initiative is expected to pave the way for future joint conferences, youth exchanges and cultural festivals, with both nations expressing confidence that their shared spiritual heritage can contribute to peace and harmony far beyond Asia.
