Dhaka, April 3 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will meet the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries to discuss ways for strengthening collaboration, keeping the interests of people in mind.

"I look forwards to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with interests of our people in mind," Modi said in his departure statement as he began his visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Bangladesh sees this year's BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on April 4, "very important" for the country as it will assume the chairmanship of the grouping for the next two years.

Dhaka also thinks the summit will provide them with an opportunity t...