India-Thailand Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership Amid Strengthened Indo-Pacific Cooperation
India and Thailand have decided to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
This decision was announced after in-depth talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during Modi’s visit to Thailand for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.
At a joint press conference, PM Modi highlighted shared values and regional vision. He said both nations “support free, open, inclusive, and regulation-based order in the Indo-Pacific,” and advocate “a policy of development, not expansionism.”
Cultural and Regional Cooperation
Modi emphasized the importance of cultural and educational cooperation.
“We have emphasised cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture, and education between India’s northeastern states and Thailand. We discussed enhancing mutual trade, investment, and exchanges between businesses,” he said.
Thailand, India’s maritime neighbour, ranks as Southeast Asia’s third-largest economy and India’s fourth-largest trading partner in the region after Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Key Agreements Signed
Following the meeting, four key agreements were signed between the two nations. PM Modi stated, “Today, we have decided to elevate our relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership. Discussions were also held on establishing a ‘Strategic Dialogue’ between security agencies.”
The pacts included cooperation in digital technologies, maritime heritage, MSMEs, and the development of India’s North Eastern Region in collaboration with Thailand.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
PM Modi expressed gratitude upon receiving the Tripitaka (Buddhist scripture) from Prime Minister Shinawatra.
“On behalf of Land of Buddha India, I accepted it with folded hands. The centuries-old relations between India and Thailand is tied to our deep cultural and spiritual threads,” he said.
Strategic and Technological Focus
The two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in crucial sectors. “We also reaffirmed our commitment to tackling challenges like terrorism, money laundering, and more,” Modi stated.
He added, “We have decided to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, digital technology, e-vehicles, robotics, space, bio-technology and start-ups. In addition to enhancing physical connectivity, both the countries will work to boost FinTech connectivity.”
Solidarity and Engagements
PM Modi conveyed solidarity with the people of Thailand following a recent earthquake.
Later, he attended a dinner hosted by PM Shinawatra for BIMSTEC leaders, where he was seated between Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Talks with Yunus are expected on the sidelines of the summit.
Strategic Outcomes from the Visit
- MoU on Digital Technologies Cooperation – Between Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT.
- MoU for National Maritime Heritage Complex – Between India’s Sagarmala Division and Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, focused on Gujarat’s Lothal.
- Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership – Marking the formal elevation of ties.
- MoU on MSME Cooperation – Between India’s Small Industries Corp Ltd and Thailand’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises.
- MoU between India’s Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
BIMSTEC Summit and Modi’s Thailand Visit
PM Modi arrived in Bangkok on April 3, 2025, to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. He was warmly welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit.
A traditional Bhangra performance by the Sikh community greeted him at Don Mueang Airport. He expressed enthusiasm about the summit and efforts to strengthen India-Thailand relations.
Focus Areas of the Visit
The summit focuses on improving trade, connectivity, and economic collaboration among BIMSTEC nations. Modi stressed India’s shared cultural and philosophical ties with Thailand and the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal as a zone for cooperation.
Engagements with Regional Leaders
At the summit, PM Modi is set to meet leaders from Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, along with PM Shinawatra.
He will hold bilateral talks, including with Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing, and Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, aiming to bolster regional unity.
Sri Lanka Visit Follows
After the BIMSTEC Summit, PM Modi will head to Sri Lanka for a two-day visit — his first since the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The visit will focus on building upon developments since former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s India visit in December 2024 and promoting the shared vision of “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future.”
North East India’s Role in Regional Growth
India’s North Eastern region is central to BIMSTEC’s regional connectivity goals. Its geographical location places it at the heart of India’s strategy for trade and development in the Bay of Bengal region.
A Blend of Culture and Strategy
PM Modi’s visit underscores not just the strengthening of economic ties, but also the cultural and spiritual bonds between India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
BIMSTEC continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering regional integration through cooperation in infrastructure, connectivity, and trade.
