Context: Recently, the Prime Minster of India met the Prime Minister of Thailand in Bangkok prior to the 6th BIMSTEC summit. The two countries have agreed to upgrade their relations to a ‘strategic partnership’. This move reflects India’s broader Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: India-Thailand Relations.
Historical and Cultural Linkages
- India and Thailand share civilisational ties rooted in history, culture, and religion.
- Buddhism as a bridge: Spread of Buddhism from India to Thailand has fostered spiritual and philosophical exchanges for centuries.
- Cultural Linkages:
- Ramayana has inspired Thailand’s national epic Ramakien.
- Sanskrit and Pali influence the Thai language and rituals.
- Exchange of scholars from Ayutthaya (Thailand) and Nalanda (India) in ancient times.
- Indian influence is visible in Thai architecture, traditional medicine, and performing arts.
- An Indian Cultural Centre now known as the Swami Vivekananda Culture Centre was established in Bangkok in 2009.
- Thailand has reaffirmed the ties by the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp based on the Ramayana mural paintings during PM Modi’s 2025 visit.
Political Relations between India and Thailand:
- The relationship gained momentum after India launched its 'Look East Policy' in the early 1990s, which has evolved into the 'Act East Policy'.
- Thailand, in turn, has embraced its 'Act West Policy', seeking deeper engagement with South Asia.
- Both nations support multilateralism and collaborate closely in regional forums like ASEAN, BIMSTEC, ADMM-Plus, and the East Asia Summit.
Economic Relations
- India and Thailand are important economic partners within Southeast Asia.
- During FY 2023-24, Thailand was the 21st largest trading partner of India with total bilateral trade of around USD 14.94 Billion.
- Thailand is part of India’s regional trade ambitions through ASEAN and BIMSTEC.
- Bilateral Pacts signed:
- MoU on Digital Technologies.
- Collaboration on MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises).
- Agreement on National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.
- Trade & Investment:
- Focus on boosting trade and business exchanges.
- Potential seen in sectors like defence, tourism, culture, and education.
- Connectivity: Northeast India-Thailand linkages:
- Emphasis on increasing connectivity, cultural exchange, and trade with India’s northeastern states. E.g., India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.
Indo-Pacific Vision and Strategic Significance
- Shared Maritime Concerns: Both countries support a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Opposition to unilateral actions and expansionism (especially China’s maritime misadventurism).
- India’s Strategic Positioning:
- Thailand is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
- Reinforcement of ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership.
Defence Cooperation:
- The bilateral defence engagements have expanded over time and include high-level visits, capacity-building and training programs, and the annual joint military exercises.
- Defence Exercises:
- Exercise MAITREE (Army).
- Exercise SIAM BHARAT (Air Force).
- India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Navy).
Indian Diaspora in Thailand:
- The Indian community in Thailand is estimated at over 250,000, including both historical and recent migrants. They are primarily engaged in trade, jewellery business, hospitality, and various service sectors.
- Prominent Indian-origin associations and Buddhist spiritual networks further bridge societal connections between the two nations.
India-Thailand Strategic Partnership:
- In the recent visit in 2025, the Indian Prime Minister announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a "Strategic Partnership" following delegation-level talks with the Thai PM.
- This development signifies a deepening of ties in security, trade, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
- Enhancing Security Cooperation:
- Establishment of a Strategic Dialogue between Security Agencies.
- Joint efforts to tackle maritime security, cybercrime, human trafficking, and illegal migration.