India–Thailand Relations: Strategic Partnership

Context:

• In recent years, India has focused on enhancing its ties with Southeast Asian nations under the ‘Act East Policy’, while Thailand has deepened its ‘Act West Policy’ — creating a natural strategic alignment between the two.

• In this backdrop, the India–Thailand relationship was recently elevated to the Strategic Partnership level, marking a significant expansion in bilateral cooperation across sectors.

Pillars of India–Thailand Relations

1. Diplomatic Relations:

   • Formal diplomatic ties were established in 1947.

   • In 2022, both nations celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations.

2. Institutional Dialogue Mechanisms:

   • Structured dialogues include:

     • Joint Working Groups on Security Cooperation, Education, Visa and Consular Matters.

     • Joint Task Force on Maritime Cooperation.

   • These platforms enable regular discussions on bilateral and global developments.

3. Regional and Sub-regional Cooperation:

   • India and Thailand collaborate through multiple forums:

     • ASEAN, East Asia Summit (EAS), BIMSTEC, MGC, ACD, IORA, ACMECS.

4. Policy Synergy:

   • Thailand’s ‘Act West’ Policy complements India’s ‘Act East Policy’, enhancing strategic convergence.

5. Trade and Economic Partnership:

   • Thailand ranks as India’s 4th largest trading partner within ASEAN.

   • Bilateral trade reached USD 14.94 billion in FY 2023–24.

6. Defence Cooperation:

   • A dedicated MoU on Defence Cooperation was signed on 25 January 2012.

   • Focus areas include joint exercises, training, and maritime collaboration.

7. Cultural Cooperation:

   • The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre was set up in Bangkok in 2009.

   • Regular exchanges of cultural troupes, Indian films, food, and festivals strengthen people-to-people ties.

8. Educational Linkages:

   • An MoU on education was signed in 2005.

   • India annually offers around 75 scholarships to Thai students under various schemes.

9. Indian Diaspora:

   • The Indian-origin population in Thailand is estimated to be around 4 to 5 lakh, including 25,000 NRIs.

Recent Developments in Bilateral Relations

1. High-Level Political Engagements:

   • Leaders met during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits.

   • The Thai Foreign Minister visited India for the Raisina Dialogue.

   • Parliamentary exchanges continued at the 149th IPU Assembly (Geneva, 2024).

2. Economic & Technological Cooperation:

   • Focus on emerging sectors like:

     • Electric Vehicles, Digital Payments, Fintech, Space Technology, Circular Economy.

3. Review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA):

   • Both sides have committed to revising AITIGA by the end of 2025 to make it more user-friendly.

4. Connectivity Initiatives:

   • At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit (Bangkok, 2025), both sides emphasized:

     • Accelerated Motor Vehicles Agreement implementation.

     • Strengthening coastal shipping and port-to-port linkages.

5. Digital Cooperation:

   • MoU signed for collaboration on digital technologies.

6. Cultural Milestones:

   • Release of a commemorative coin for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th birth anniversary.

   • Launch of Thai translation of Thirukkural.

   • Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were sent to Thailand for public exposition in 2024.

7. Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP):

   • The CEP for 2022–2027 was signed to enhance bilateral cultural ties.

8. International Ramayana Festival:

   • Indian dance troupe led by Ananda S Jayant performed at the festival in Bangkok.

Strategic Significance of the Partnership

• The Strategic Partnership aims to:

  • Broaden cooperation in defence, cyber security, trade, investment, renewable energy, education, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.

  • Enhance India’s access to the ASEAN heartland through Thailand, facilitating Indo-Pacific cooperation.

  • Strengthen regional stability via active participation in ASEAN, BIMSTEC, IORA, and MGC.

  • Foster economic integration to mitigate the impact of global uncertainties.

  • Counter the growing influence of China in the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia through deeper maritime collaboration.

Challenges in India–Thailand Relations

1. Trade Imbalance:

   • India continues to face a significant trade deficit.

   • Calls for:

     • Wider market access for Indian agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and services.

     • Exploring local currency-based trade mechanisms.

2. Connectivity Project Delays:

   • Infrastructure and political uncertainties — particularly in Myanmar — have slowed progress on key initiatives like the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway.

3. Regulatory Barriers:

   • Lack of alignment in standards and certifications hampers smoother economic integration.

The Way Forward

• Timely execution of the Joint Plan of Action is crucial.

• Expand collaboration in defence technology, joint production, and knowledge sharing.

• Prioritize the reduction of non-tariff barriers and streamline regulatory standards.

• Diversify the trade basket to reduce dependency on select commodities.

• Foster private sector engagement, academic collaboration, and enhanced youth exchange programs.

• Deepen maritime cooperation for a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.