In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on Thursday, reaffirming the deep historical and economic ties between India and Thailand. The discussions, held in Bangkok, covered a wide range of strategic issues, culminating in the decision to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.
During the meeting, both leaders explored avenues to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as defence, security, trade, technology, and cultural exchange. Modi expressed solidarity with the people of Thailand in light of the recent earthquake and thanked the Thai government for their warm welcome. Highlighting the mutual alignment of India’s ‘Act East’ and Thailand’s ‘Act West’ policies, he emphasized that this synergy opens up numerous possibilities for collaboration.
“Our discussions focused on strengthening the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership, with a special emphasis on defence, maritime security, and economic cooperation,” Modi said. “Both nations are committed to countering global threats such as terrorism and financial crimes, ensuring a stable and secure region.”
Key Agreements and MoUs
As a step toward reinforcing bilateral engagement, India and Thailand exchanged multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across diverse fields, signifying a shared vision for progress:
- Technology and Digital Innovation: India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology signed an MoU with Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to foster collaboration in digital transformation and cybersecurity.
- Maritime Heritage: A pact was signed between India’s Sagarmala Division and Thailand’s Ministry of Culture to support the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat, underscoring the maritime history linking the two nations.
- MSME Growth and Trade: The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and Thailand’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) agreed to strengthen business partnerships between small and medium enterprises in both countries.
- Northeast Connectivity: India’s Ministry for the Development of the North Eastern Region (MDONER) and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed an MoU to enhance infrastructure and trade connectivity between Thailand and India’s northeastern states.
- Cultural Exchange and Creative Industries: The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) partnered with Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA) to boost cultural collaborations and promote traditional crafts.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bangkok also includes his participation in the sixth BIMSTEC Summit, further strengthening India’s role in regional cooperation with Southeast Asian nations. Upon arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour, symbolizing the close diplomatic relations between the two nations.
