Following delegation-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok on April 3, 2025, India and Thailand have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.
In an attempt to allay worries about China’s muscular actions in the area, PM Modi highlighted that the alliance is in line with India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, which value growth above expansion.
Numerous memorandums of understanding (MoUs) from many sectors were signed during the summit, including:
Digital technologies: cooperation between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.
Maritime Heritage: Construction of Gujarat’s Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex.
MSMEs: Arrangements between Thailand’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion and India’s National Small Industries Corporation Ltd.
Collaboration in the promotion of traditional industries: handlooms and handicrafts.
The leaders also talked about strengthening collaboration in renewable energy, tourism, culture, education, investment, and trade. Plans to strengthen relationships in cutting-edge fields like biotechnology, robotics, space exploration, electric cars, and startups were emphasised.
Citing common Buddhist customs and the impact of Sanskrit and Pali on Thai culture, PM Modi emphasised the spiritual and cultural ties between India and Thailand. He was appreciative that a commemorative stamp with mural paintings of the Ramayana had been issued.
Establishing a conversation amongst security services to address issues such as money laundering, terrorism, illegal migration, human trafficking, cybercrime, and marine safety was one of the strategic talks. Modi also offered his condolences for Thailand’s recent catastrophe.
The discussions were held in advance of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, which will further examine regional collaboration among countries in the Bay of Bengal.
