PM Modi offers support after strong earthquakes hit Myanmar and Thailand, says 'India stands ready to offer all possible assistance'

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the powerful earthquakes that struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, causing widespread destruction, including the collapse of a high-rise under construction in Bangkok.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote in a post, "Concerned by the situation in the wake of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand."

The 7.7-magnitude quake, with its epicentre in Myanmar, was followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, shaking buildings across the region.
In Bangkok, a 30-storey building under construction collapsed, and several buildings in Myanmar’s Mandalay also sustained severe damage. Authorities in both nations have launched emergency response efforts.
The earthquake-hit locations included Bangkok's venue, which is set to host next week's BIMSTEC summit, where PM Modi and other regional leaders are expected to attend.
In response to the disaster, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts.
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) includes India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan.
On PM Modi's upcoming visit to Thailand, secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said, "PM Modi will visit Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and for an official visit to Thailand from the 3rd to the 4th of April. This will be the Prime Minister's third visit to Thailand...India and Thailand have historically warm bilateral relations, shared civilizational, cultural and religious bonds. Thailand is India's maritime neighbour, a valuable partner in our act east policy and vision for the Indo-Pacific and also a highly valued partner in BIMSTEC...The Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This will be his second meeting with the Thai Prime Minister. He had earlier met her on the margins of the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane on the 11th of October last year."
At the upcoming Bangkok summit, leaders are set to discuss strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate joint initiatives.