In international diplomacy, policies dictate the formal script, but cultural ties shape the real connections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands this well, skilfully blending strategic alliances with civilisational outreach. His recent engagements—spanning the BIMSTEC Summit, a visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka, and a concluding stop at Rameswaram—are more than just high-level meetings. They weave together a broader cultural and geopolitical narrative, rooted in the shared legacy of Lord Ram.

The timing of Modi’s visits is no coincidence. Arriving in Thailand and Sri Lanka just ahead of Ram Navami, then visiting Rameswaram on the festival itself, sends a strong message. By invoking the Ramayana’s historical and spiritual ties across South and Southeast Asia, PM Modi is reinforcing India’s position as a cultural anchor in the region. This is not just about diplomatic agreements—it’s about strengthening a deeper, more enduring bond.

Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka all have strong connections to the Ramayana. The Thai version, the Ramakien, is deeply embedded in their royal traditions, with the current monarch titled Rama X. In Sri Lanka, the epic is not just mythology; it’s a part of their historical consciousness. By highlighting these ties, Modi transcends policy discussions, reminding these nations of their shared heritage with India.

The connection between these regions and India is ancient. Long before modern borders, maritime trade routes linked them, spreading ideas, art, and faith. Emperor Ashoka sent his daughter, Sanghamitta, to Sri Lanka........

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