India and Thailand Upgrade Relations to Strategic Partnership During PM Modi’s Visit

India and Thailand Upgrade Relations to Strategic Partnership During PM Modi’s Visit

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangkok, India and Thailand agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. The announcement came following extensive discussions between PM Modi and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Government House, where they explored multiple areas of collaboration.

As part of the discussions, both leaders oversaw the signing of several key agreements aimed at strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two nations. Among these was a Joint Declaration on the establishment of the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to enhance cooperation in digital technologies.

Other significant MoUs included an agreement between India’s Sagarmala Division, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat. Another agreement focused on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), involving India’s National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) and Thailand’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP).

Further collaborations were formalized through MoUs between India’s Ministry for Development of the 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).

During the joint press statement, PM Modi emphasized how India’s ‘Act East’ policy aligns with Thailand’s ‘Act West’ approach, creating new opportunities for cooperation in sectors such as tourism, culture, education, trade, and investment. He highlighted agreements in areas including MSMEs, handicrafts, and handlooms, as well as plans to deepen collaboration in renewable energy, digital technology, electric vehicles, robotics, space, biotechnology, and start-ups.

Additionally, the leaders discussed enhancing physical connectivity while also prioritizing financial technology (FinTech) collaboration. Strategic discussions covered areas such as defense, security, maritime safety, and hydrography, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to countering terrorism and financial crimes.

PM Modi also expressed solidarity with the Thai people following a recent earthquake, while reiterating India’s commitment to ASEAN’s unity and central role in the region. He stressed the importance of a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing development over expansionism.