India and Thailand have taken a significant step in deepening their bilateral relationship by elevating their ties to a Strategic Partnership. This milestone was marked during extensive discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Government House in Bangkok. The meeting witnessed the signing of several agreements, with a special focus on connectivity, trade, culture, and development, particularly benefitting India’s North Eastern Region (NER).
In his remarks, PM Modi highlighted that India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Thailand’s ‘Act West’ complement each other very well and open up opportunities for bilateral cooperation in many fields.
“We have emphasised on cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between Thailand and the North-Eastern states of India. We discussed growing mutual trade, investment, and business exchanges. Agreements have also been made to foster cooperation in the areas of MSME, handloom and handicrafts,” PM Modi said during the joint press statement with the Prime Minister of Thailand.
Strengthening India’s North East in the Strategic Partnership
A notable highlight of the agreements was the emphasis on enhancing linkages between Thailand and India’s North Eastern states. Recognizing the geographical and cultural proximity of the NER with Southeast Asia, both leaders reinforced their commitment to deepening collaboration in trade, tourism, and infrastructure development.
One of the key agreements signed was between India’s Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This agreement aims to foster stronger cooperation in infrastructure development, connectivity projects, and cultural exchanges between Thailand and India’s North East.
Additionally, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA) to promote artisans and indigenous crafts from India’s North East in Thai markets. This initiative seeks to provide a platform for local craftsmen and weavers to expand their market reach and gain greater economic opportunities through trade fairs and joint exhibitions.
Enhancing Connectivity and Trade
The leaders acknowledged the pivotal role of connectivity in strengthening India-Thailand relations. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which passes through the North East, was discussed as a crucial link in enhancing economic activities. Both sides committed to accelerating the completion of this project to facilitate smoother trade and people-to-people exchanges between Thailand and the North East of India.
Additionally, discussions also revolved around the possibility of expanding air connectivity between Thai cities and major hubs in the North East, such as Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala. Improved connectivity is expected to boost tourism and encourage investments in sectors such as hospitality and services.
Digital Technology and MSME Cooperation
India and Thailand also signed a MoU between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India, aiming to strengthen collaboration in the field of digital technologies. With the North East emerging as a budding tech hub, this partnership is expected to bring new opportunities for IT startups and entrepreneurs in the region.
Another MoU was signed between India’s National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) and Thailand’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) to enhance cooperation in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME). This agreement is particularly significant for the North East, where small-scale industries play a vital role in local economies. Enhanced access to Thai markets and expertise is expected to boost the productivity and global reach of North Eastern MSMEs.
Maritime Heritage and Cultural Cooperation
A landmark agreement was also signed between the Sagarmala Division of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, focusing on the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. While this project is based in western India, it also holds significance for the North East, as it aims to promote India’s maritime heritage, including historical trade links with Southeast Asia.
Cultural cooperation was further strengthened by commitments to promote exchanges between the North East’s tribal communities and Thailand’s ethnic groups. Traditional music, dance, and crafts will form the basis for deeper cultural engagements, reflecting shared historical ties and indigenous knowledge systems.
Security and Indo-Pacific Cooperation
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to regional security, including maritime safety, hydrography, and combating transnational crimes. PM Modi highlighted that India and Thailand would work together in countering terrorism, cyber threats, and money laundering.
He also reiterated India’s support for ASEAN unity and centrality, emphasizing a free, open, inclusive, and rule-based Indo-Pacific order. This aligns with the strategic vision of India’s North Eastern states, which serve as the gateway to Southeast Asia and play a crucial role in India’s Act East Policy.
Conclusion
The elevation of India-Thailand ties to a Strategic Partnership marks a new chapter in regional cooperation, with a strong focus on North East India’s development. The agreements signed pave the way for enhanced economic growth, cultural ties, and security cooperation. By leveraging its geographical advantage and historical connections with Southeast Asia, the North East is poised to become a critical player in India’s Act East Policy, benefiting from improved trade, tourism, and connectivity with Thailand and beyond.
In his statement the Prime Minister said, “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,” he added.
The Prime Minister stated that the talks focused on ways to deepen the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership, including sectors in strategic areas such as defence, security, maritime safety and hydrography.
“We also reiterated our commitment to working together to overcome the challenges of terrorism, money laundering and more,” said PM Modi.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi also expressed solidarity with the people of Thailand in the aftermath of the earthquake a few days ago.
PM Modi also mentioned that India fully supports ASEAN unity and ASEAN centrality.
“In the Indo-Pacific, we both support free, open, inclusive and rule-based order. We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism,” said PM Modi. (Pics from PIB)
