On November 2, 2024, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, during a visit to New Delhi for the Royal Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony at Mahabodhi Vihara. The ceremony, an important cultural and religious event, underscored the deep-rooted cultural bonds between Thailand and India.
The two leaders engaged in productive discussions on strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on collaboration in the defense industry. Both sides highlighted the potential for increased cooperation in defense as a strategic area of mutual benefit, further cementing the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
In addition to bilateral ties, the Ministers discussed advancing multilateral frameworks that are central to both nations’ regional and international roles, especially within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC). Both forums serve as critical platforms for fostering economic and socio-cultural ties across Asia, and the leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing these regional partnerships.
Regional security challenges were also a focal point of the discussions, with both Ministers agreeing to collaborate closely on addressing transnational crimes, human trafficking, and disaster response. Additionally, they explored ways to improve regional connectivity, which is essential for economic integration and people-to-people exchanges.
Looking ahead, Thailand and India emphasized the importance of high-level exchanges to maintain and build upon the current positive momentum in their relations. Both sides expressed optimism about the future of their partnership and a mutual resolve to work together in achieving shared goals for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.