India and Thailand Deepen Strategic Partnership with Multi-Sector MoU Exchange Ahead of BIMSTEC Summit
Bangkok, Thailand – April 3, 2025 – India and Thailand have taken a significant step toward enhancing their bilateral partnership by exchanging a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) just ahead of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. The ceremonial exchange, held in Bangkok, was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, signaling both nations’ intent to deepen cooperation in critical sectors ranging from trade and Défense to digital innovation and regional connectivity.
A Multi-Layered MoU Framework: Strengthening Sectoral Collaboration
The signed MoUs reflect a strategic vision shared by both governments to advance mutual interests and contribute to broader regional integration under the BIMSTEC framework. These agreements cover the following major areas:
Trade and Investment Facilitation
India and Thailand agreed to expand bilateral trade by easing investment regulations, harmonizing standards, and enhancing support for MSMEs.
- Both sides are exploring the possibility of a bilateral trade agreement to supplement the existing India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.
- A joint working group will be created to address non-tariff barriers and improve market access for priority goods and services.
Impact: This could increase bilateral trade beyond the current USD 17 billion, promoting diversification in sectors like textiles, food processing, and electronics.
Digital Economy and Technology Exchange
The MoUs include provisions to collaborate in areas such as:
- Fintech innovation, including blockchain, AI, and digital payments.
- Cross-border cooperation on cybersecurity frameworks and data governance.
- Promotion of start-up and tech ecosystem linkages between the two nations.
Impact: The partnership supports India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model and aligns with Thailand’s Digital Economy Strategy, boosting regional tech-driven growth.
Défense, Maritime Security, and Intelligence Sharing
Recognizing mutual security interests in the Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific region, India and Thailand signed MoUs to:
- Enhance joint military training, naval exercises, and maritime domain awareness.
- Facilitate information sharing on counter-terrorism and transnational crime.
- Explore collaboration in Défense production and cybersecurity.
Impact: These steps will strengthen interoperability and preparedness in a region increasingly central to Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
Tourism, Cultural Exchange, and Soft Power Diplomacy
Given their shared religious, historical, and cultural roots, both nations committed to:
- Launching joint tourism promotion campaigns, including Buddhist circuit travel.
- Hosting cultural festivals, academic exchanges, and language learning initiatives.
- Facilitating e-visas and improved travel connectivity to boost two-way tourism flows.
Impact: With nearly 1.5 million annual tourists between the two nations pre-COVID, this renewed emphasis could revitalize the tourism economy and deepen people-to-people connections.
Infrastructure Development and Cross-Border Connectivity
The MoUs reaffirm commitments to improve multimodal transport infrastructure, including:
- Expansion of India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and potential rail links.
- Development of logistics parks and smart ports to streamline supply chains.
- Collaboration on green and smart infrastructure under sustainable development goals.
Impact: Improved connectivity will position Thailand as a gateway for India into ASEAN, strengthening BIMSTEC’s relevance as a regional corridor.
India – Thailand Bilateral Relations: A Strategic Evolution
Over the past decade, India and Thailand have increasingly focused on transitioning from traditional diplomatic ties to a strategic partnership.
India’s Act East Policy in Action
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that the MoU exchange represents a “strong manifestation of India’s Act East Policy”, which aims to cultivate stronger ties with Southeast Asia through economic, cultural, and strategic dimensions.
Thailand as a Regional Gateway
Thailand’s Prime Minister Shinawatra emphasized Thailand’s central geographic and political position in ASEAN, reaffirming the country’s commitment to serving as a connector between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
She noted:
“Our cooperation with India reflects shared aspirations for regional stability, prosperity, and inclusive development.”
Role Within BIMSTEC: Boosting Regional Architecture
As founding members of BIMSTEC, both India and Thailand are using this summit to recalibrate the organization’s focus toward economic integration, disaster resilience, and maritime cooperation.
- These new MoUs align with BIMSTEC’s restructured charter, which aims to give the organization a more institutionalized and action-oriented framework.
- India and Thailand are also advocating for BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations to be fast-tracked.
Geopolitical and Economic Significance
The agreements also come at a time of growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries are seeking to:
- Diversify supply chains, reducing dependence on singular markets.
- Enhance economic resilience in a post-pandemic global economy.
- Collaborate on climate resilience, clean energy, and sustainable development.
Outcome Expectations:
- Increased bilateral investment flows
- More joint ventures between Indian and Thai companies
- A stronger regional economic corridor with smoother cross-border trade
Looking Ahead: From Words to Implementation
While the MoU exchange is a clear signal of intent, successful implementation will require:
- Coordination among ministries and agencies on both sides
- Engagement of private sector stakeholders
- Timely infrastructure execution and policy harmonization
With both governments emphasizing accountability and measurable outcomes, the next phase will focus on translating commitments into actionable results.
Conclusion: A Renewed Vision for Regional Synergy
The India–Thailand MoU exchange, coming on the eve of the BIMSTEC Summit, not only strengthens bilateral relations but also offers a template for multi-sector regional cooperation. As Asia grapples with complex security, economic, and environmental challenges, these partnerships will be vital in shaping a prosperous, connected, and peaceful Indo-Pacific.
