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Both countries are accelerating cooperation in trade, security and regional integration, with fresh commitments made during Minister Sihasak’s working visit to India.
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thailand visited India from 30 November to 1 December 2025 with the objective to advance the newly elevated Thailand-India strategic partnership and steer cooperation into its next phase.
Strengthening momentum after a milestone upgrade
In a bilateral meeting between the Minister and Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, India on 1 December in New Delhi, both sides acknowledged the progress made since the visit of India’s Prime Minister to Thailand in April 2025. Key areas of cooperation include political cooperation, bilateral and multilateral trade and investment, connectivity, startups, science, technology, innovation, and space.
Thailand also sought India’s support for its interest in joining BRICS during India’s Chairmanship in 2026.
Addressing geopolitical shifts and emerging threats
Both ministers exchanged views on foreign policies in the face of current geopolitical challenges. Thailand expressed its readiness to work with India across multilateral platforms to strengthen regional integration. A significant part of the dialogue focused on combating transnational crimes, particularly online scams, and providing assistance to Indian victims.
To advance discussions, Thailand invited India to participate in the international conference on global partnerships to combat online scams, scheduled for 17 and 18 December 2025 in Bangkok. Thailand also shared its interest in co-hosting the event. Both sides discussed regional developments, including the Thailand-Cambodia border situation and the situation in Myanmar.
Deepening cooperation on security
On the same day, Minister Sihasak met with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor, India for further discussions on expanding the strategic partnership. Their conversation focused on strengthening maritime security and addressing the rise of online scams as an increasingly urgent threat across the region.
Engaging India’s strategic thinkers
Before the official meetings, on 30 November, Minister Sihasak met with members of India's academic and strategic community from organisations such as CSEP, India Foundation and NatStrat. Both sides reaffirmed the close historical, cultural and religious ties between Thailand and India, while recognising the geopolitical shifts influencing the region.
Discussions also covered multilateral cooperation and the growing connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia, where both countries play important roles. Security concerns, emerging threats and regional developments, including the Thailand-Cambodia border situation and the situation in Myanmar, were again areas of shared attention.
A partnership grounded in long standing ties
Thailand and India continue to build on a strong foundation built over eight decades of diplomatic relations, which they will mark in 2027. India remains a significant partner for Thailand as the country’s 11th largest trading partner and its top partner in South Asia. Bilateral trade reached USD 17.5bn in 2024, an 8.8% increase from the previous year. India is also one of Thailand’s most important tourist markets, further strengthening people to people connections.
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Lead image / Public Relations Department of Thailand
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