The 8th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue recently took place in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting was marked by an atmosphere of mutual satisfaction over the ongoing bilateral defence cooperation. Various aspects of the bilateral defence initiatives were reviewed and the co-chairs identified ways to expand existing collaborative efforts.
Key Highlights of the Dialogue
The discussion included topics like enhancing the defence industry, maritime security, and multinational cooperation. Thailand acknowledged the capabilities of the Indian defence industry. Additionally, the co-chairs proposed steps towards emerging areas of cooperation and issues pertaining to global commons.
An Overview of India-Thailand Relations
India and Thailand share a longstanding diplomatic relationship that dates back to 1947. These ties are built on a foundation of economic and cultural relations that have extended for over 2000 years. Both nations’ foreign policies have contributed significantly to strengthening bilateral relations and economic linkages.
Economic and Commercial Relations
In 2019, bilateral trade between the two countries stood at USD 12.12 billion and reached USD 9.76 billion in 2020, despite the pandemic situation. Thai exports to India amounted to USD 7.60 billion while Indian exports to Thailand were worth USD 4.86 billion in 2018. In terms of ASEAN, Thailand ranks as India’s 5th largest trading partner. Thai goods have also enjoyed the benefits of a tax reduction under the ASEAN-India FTA in Goods established in 2010.
Defence Cooperation
The bilateral defence engagement between India and Thailand features Defence Dialogue meetings, military exchanges, high-level visits, and annual joint military exercises. Notable exercises include Exercise MAITREE (Army), Exercise SIAM BHARAT (Air Force), and the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Navy).
Connectivity and Cultural Cooperation
In 2019, Thailand welcomed approximately 1.9 million Indian tourists while around 160,000 Thai tourists visited India mainly for Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Both nations are actively working together to improve regional connectivity under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) framework. An upcoming project of note is the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway which promises to expand land connectivity.
Cultural exchanges between both countries also remain robust, with the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji being celebrated grandiosely in Thailand recently.
The Way Forward
To further deepen ties, both nations need to address trade issues and reduce import duty charges through bilateral engagements. They should also explore collaboration opportunities within their respective start-up ecosystems. By investing in each other’s markets, they can work towards bridging supply chain gaps. Strengthening strategic and security cooperation through defence engagements, military exchanges, and joint exercises is also vital.