India and Thailand have officially elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership following extensive discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok on Thursday. The leaders reviewed key areas of cooperation and witnessed the signing of multiple agreements aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and strategic ties between the two nations.
Key Agreements Signed
As part of the visit, India and Thailand signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including:
- India-Thailand Strategic Partnership: A joint declaration solidifying the new status of bilateral relations.
- Digital Cooperation: MoU between Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to enhance collaboration in digital technologies.
- Maritime Heritage: MoU between India’s Sagarmala Division (Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways) and Thailand’s Fine Arts Department (Ministry of Culture) for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat.
- MSME Collaboration: MoU between India’s National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) and Thailand’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) to promote cooperation in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- Cultural & Economic Ties: MoUs between India’s Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as between North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC) and Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA) to support cultural and economic exchanges.
India’s ‘Act East’ and Thailand’s ‘Act West’ Policies
During the joint press statement, PM Modi emphasized that India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Thailand’s ‘Act West’ strategy complement each other, opening new avenues for bilateral cooperation in tourism, culture, and education, particularly with India’s North-Eastern states.
He also highlighted agreements made to boost trade, investment, business exchanges, and connectivity in sectors such as MSMEs, handlooms, and handicrafts.
Strategic and Economic Cooperation
The two leaders discussed expanding collaboration in:
✅ Renewable energy
✅ Digital technology
✅ Electric vehicles (EVs) & robotics
✅ Space and biotechnology
✅ Startups and FinTech connectivity
PM Modi also reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN unity and emphasized a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, rejecting expansionism.
Security & Defense Partnership
In the wake of rising security challenges, both nations committed to deeper defense and maritime cooperation. Discussions included enhancing:
🔹 Maritime security & hydrography
🔹 Counterterrorism efforts
🔹 Money laundering prevention
India’s Support to Thailand Post-Earthquake
PM Modi also expressed solidarity with Thailand in the aftermath of the recent earthquake, emphasizing India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance.
With the Strategic Partnership now in place, India and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger economic, security, and cultural ties, reinforcing their roles as key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sources By Agencies
