India and Thailand Announce Strategic Partnership to Deepen Bilateral Ties

New Delhi/Bangkok: India and Thailand on Thursday declared the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a new era of enhanced cooperation across political, economic, and security domains. The joint declaration was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Thailand from April 3–4, where he also participated in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The landmark move follows 78 years of diplomatic relations and builds upon the two nations’ shared cultural, religious, and historical bonds. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in key areas including defence, trade, innovation, connectivity, education, healthcare, and regional security.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi was received with ceremonial honours at the Government House in Bangkok and, alongside Prime Minister Shinawatra, paid homage at the historic Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho temple.

Key Highlights of the Strategic Partnership:

Political & Security Cooperation:
The partnership envisions greater political engagement through regular high-level exchanges and institutionalised dialogues between foreign ministers and national security officials. Cooperation will extend to counter-terrorism, cybercrime, maritime security, and tackling transnational crimes such as trafficking and money laundering.

Defence and Technology:
The two sides will deepen defence collaboration with a focus on joint training, exercises, capacity building, and defence technology partnerships, along with enhanced strategic dialogue at senior levels.

Trade and Investment:
Bilateral trade, which stood at approximately USD 15 billion in 2023–24, is set to grow with renewed focus on future-oriented sectors such as electric vehicles, biotechnology, renewable energy, digital technology, and space. A local currency settlement mechanism and enhanced private sector engagement are also being explored.

Connectivity:
The partnership underscores physical, digital, and financial connectivity, including expedited work on the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, civil aviation links, and maritime cooperation.

People-to-People & Cultural Ties:
Thailand and India will expand academic exchanges, mutual recognition of qualifications, and joint research. Cultural and tourism cooperation will be promoted through exhibitions, festivals, and archaeological initiatives, with special attention to India’s North Eastern Region.

Science, Health & Gender Development:
Cooperation will intensify in science and technology, public health, traditional medicine, and space research. The countries also aim to support women’s entrepreneurship and leadership development.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation:
Both nations reaffirmed their support for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and ASEAN Centrality. Joint efforts will be made under frameworks like BIMSTEC, IORA, MGC, and ASEAN-India mechanisms, with focus on promoting sustainable development and transport connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region.

The leaders also agreed to formulate a Joint Plan of Action, to be coordinated by their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs, ensuring the effective implementation of this Strategic Partnership.

The elevation of ties between India and Thailand signals a forward-looking vision to strengthen peace, prosperity, and collaboration in a rapidly changing global landscape.