India and Thailand have elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, reinforcing cooperation in defense, trade, security, connectivity, and emerging industries. The partnership aims to create mutually beneficial opportunities while addressing global and regional challenges.

The Joint Declaration on the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership, signed after discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, underscores their shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in their respective regions.

Expanding defense and security collaboration

India and Thailand will enhance defense cooperation, focusing on technology, research, training, and capacity building. A Deputy National Security Adviser-level strategic dialogue will be established between the Thai National Security Council and India’s National Security Council Secretariat. Both nations will work together on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, and transnational crime, including cybercrimes, money laundering, and human, drug, arms, and wildlife trafficking.

Boosting connectivity and economic ties

The partnership emphasizes strengthening physical, digital, and financial connectivity, with a focus on projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and its eastward extension. Plans include coastal shipping expansion, improved port connections, and enhanced air connectivity.

On the economic front, the two nations aim to increase bilateral trade beyond $15 billion, organizing regular trade meetings to resolve market access issues and integrate into the global supply chain. New areas of investment include renewable energy, electric vehicles, digital technology, space technology, robotics, and biotechnology.

Strengthening ASEAN cooperation

Both countries reaffirm their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, supporting ASEAN Centrality and working together through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Thailand will co-lead the Maritime Ecology Pillar of the IPOI with Australia.

Next steps: Implementing the partnership

To ensure effective implementation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will draft a Joint Plan of Action. The agreement sets the stage for closer collaboration across multiple sectors, ensuring sustainable economic growth, regional stability, and stronger people-to-people connections.

This enhanced partnership marks a significant milestone in India-Thailand relations, paving the way for a future-oriented, dynamic, and strategic alliance.