India and Thailand Upgrade Ties to Strategic Partnership Ahead of BIMSTEC Summit

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Govt & Politics, Page – 06)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

India and Thailand upgraded their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, strengthening cooperation in security, trade, and culture ahead of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

Analysis of the news:

Upgrading Bilateral Relations to Strategic Partnership

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok and announced the elevation of India-Thailand relations to a strategic partnership.

• Modi emphasized Thailand’s key role in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, trade, security, and cultural ties.

• A “strategic dialogue” between security agencies was also established, focusing on combating cybercrime, human trafficking, and illegal migration. Thailand was commended for its assistance in repatriating Indian victims of cyber fraud.

Geopolitical Implications: Indo-Pacific and ASEAN Cooperation

• In an indirect reference to China’s assertive presence in the Indo-Pacific, Modi stressed the need for a free, open, and rules-based order, promoting development (vikaasvaad) over expansionism (vistaarvaad).

• He reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, highlighting mutual interests in regional peace and stability.

Key Agreements and Areas of Cooperation

During the visit, six agreements were signed, covering:

• Strategic partnership framework
  
• Digital technology collaboration
  
• Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat
  
• Cooperation in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
  
• Trade and investment promotion
  
• Enhancing ties between India’s Northeast and Thailand in tourism, culture, and education

Cultural and Historical Ties

• Modi emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connections between India and Thailand, referencing the influence of Buddhism, the Ramayana (Ramakien in Thailand), and linguistic ties through Sanskrit and Pali.

• His visit included watching a Ramakien performance, symbolizing the historical bond between the two nations.

BIMSTEC Summit and Regional Cooperation

• Modi will attend the 6th BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit, joining leaders from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan.

• A key focus will be the signing of an Agreement on Maritime Cooperation, enhancing regional connectivity and economic progress.

• The summit marks a step toward strengthening multilateral engagement in the Bay of Bengal region.

Conclusion

• India’s engagement with Thailand and BIMSTEC underscores its commitment to regional security, economic growth, and cultural diplomacy.

• By upgrading ties to a strategic partnership, India is reinforcing its Act East Policy and enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, positioning itself as a key player in regional stability.

Practice Question: Discuss the significance of India upgrading its ties with Thailand to a strategic partnership in the context of the Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific security dynamics. How does this align with India’s regional interests, particularly within BIMSTEC? (250 Words /15 marks)