India and Thailand have agreed to bolster regional linkages by enhancing physical, digital and financial connectivity, as part of their decision to elevate bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.
The agreement came during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in Bangkok on Friday. The two leaders discussed an expansive range of issues including defence and security, trade and investment, innovation, science and technology, education, tourism, space, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
According to the Joint Declaration issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on the establishment of the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership, both nations reaffirmed their intent to “enhance all modes of connectivity, such as physical, digital and financial… and strengthen regional linkages”.
The declaration also stated: “Expediting the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and its eastward extension, as well as the India, Myanmar and Thailand Motor Vehicles Agreement; strengthen regional maritime connectivity through coastal shipping; and enhance port-to-port connections and encourage the civil aviation authorities of the two countries to continue engaging in discussions for enhancing air connectivity between both countries.”
The two sides also committed to intensifying people-to-people, educational and cultural ties. “Strengthen mechanisms of cooperation between the Ministries responsible for education in both countries in order to promote educational cooperation… to facilitate student exchanges, joint research and fellowships,” the joint statement read.
It further emphasised efforts towards promoting Thai and Hindi studies, skill development, English language training, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
On cultural collaboration, both sides pledged to “strengthen the links between the two countries through the deepening of cultural relations and cooperation, including in performing arts, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, archaeology, archives, museums, research and documentation, and festivals as identified in the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP)”.
The leaders agreed to explore cooperation in the domain of sports, with focus areas including “sports integrity, sports governing bodies, sport sciences & research, sports industry, and sports tourism”.
Special emphasis was laid on engaging India’s North Eastern Region (NER), with both sides expressing intent to “increase exchanges in the areas of tourism, culture, education, vocation and technical cooperation”.
Scientific collaboration was another focal point. The statement noted that the countries will “strengthen cooperation between Ministries responsible for science and technology… through joint research projects, workshops, and exchanges in priority areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, ICT and space technology”.
In the field of health, India and Thailand pledged closer cooperation in medical products, public health, and traditional medicine through “increased exchanges of information, research and development, and human resource development”.
The summit also witnessed the exchange of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across diverse sectors, underscoring a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
The two leaders have also resolved to intensify collaboration between financial institutions to facilitate cross-border payments, trade and investment. “Promote cooperation for sustainable economic growth, including Bio-Circular-Green Economy and lifestyle for Environment, especially in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, to meet both sides' respective climate change goals,” the declaration said.
The announcement marks a significant leap in Indo-Thai relations, anchoring the partnership on economic, technological and people-centred cooperation.
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