Bangkok: Thailand and India have elevated their relations to a strategic partnership, signing six memorandums of understanding to strengthen cooperation in driving the economy, trade, investment, and developing regional connectivity.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, and Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, witnessed the signing ceremony of the declaration and exchange of six memorandums of understanding between the two nations. These included a Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership, and agreements on digital technologies, maritime heritage, small industries, development cooperation, and handicrafts and handlooms.
The Prime Ministers also participated in the ceremony to present the Satchaya version of the International Tipitaka and held a joint press conference. On behalf of the Thai government, the Thai Prime Minister expressed pleasure in welcoming the Indian Prime Minister and his delegation for the official visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit hosted by Thailand. The formal elevation to a strategic partnership reflects the robust and dynamic relations between Thailand and India, demonstrating their commitment to growth and prosperity for both countries and the region.
The leaders agreed on enhancing political and security cooperation through exchanges of high-level visits, defense industry collaboration, joint military exercises, and sharing best practices in dealing with threats. Economically, India is Thailand’s top trading partner in South Asia, with a trade value exceeding 17 billion US dollars in 2024, prompting a proposal for joint negotiations to improve free trade agreements.
Both leaders expressed condolences for lives lost in the Myanmar earthquake and pledged urgent humanitarian support. Future cooperation for sustainable reconstruction in Myanmar was also discussed. Tourism between the two nations has progressed, with visa facilitation measures and new flight routes, and a consultation mechanism was agreed upon to protect nationals.
Views on regional and international cooperation were exchanged, particularly in forums like BIMSTEC, ASEAN, BRICS, and OECD, with Thailand as a bridge in cooperation frameworks. The Indian Prime Minister, grateful for Thailand’s hospitality, emphasized cultural, economic, and security cooperation and reaffirmed shared stances on Indo-Pacific stability. India is set to participate in the upcoming BIMSTEC meeting, with Thailand actively promoting regional cooperation.