India-Thailand Relations: Major and Minor Milestones

Here's a chronological list of major and minor milestones in India-Thailand relations, with context and importance:

Ancient Times (Pre-10th Century):

• Early Cultural Exchange (1st-5th Century AD): This period saw the flourishing of the Theravada Buddhism transmission from India to the Southeast Asian region, including Thailand. This shared religious heritage laid the foundation for long-lasting cultural ties. Evidence suggests active trade and diplomatic exchanges between Indian kingdoms and early Thai kingdoms like Funan and Chenla.
• Srivijaya Empire Influence (7th-13th Century): The powerful Srivijaya Empire, with its centre in Sumatra (present-day Indonesia) but holding sway over the Malay peninsula and parts of Thailand, played a crucial role in fostering closer India-Thai relations. Srivijaya was a major centre of Buddhist learning and facilitated the flow of religious scholars, texts, and art between India and Thailand.

Modern Era (1947 onwards):

• Establishment of Diplomatic Relations (1947): After India's independence, Thailand was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations, marking the beginning of a new era in bilateral ties.
• King Bhumibol Adulyadej's State Visit (1962): This visit marked a significant step towards strengthening ties, focusing on cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
• Signing of the Treaty of Friendship (1981): This treaty reaffirmed the commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation in various fields, including trade, culture, and science.
• Thai Prime Minister's Visit during India's Golden Jubilee Celebrations (1997): The participation of the Thai PM in India's 50th independence anniversary celebrations highlighted the friendly relations between the two countries.
• Establishment of the Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) (1999): This provided a platform for regular high-level dialogue and cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and security.
• Look East Policy (1990s): India's Look East Policy, later transformed into the Act East Policy, aimed at enhancing engagement with Southeast Asia, placing Thailand as a key partner in the region.
• Joint Military Exercises (Early 2000s onwards): Regular joint military exercises, including "Maitree" for the Army and "Siam Bharat" for the Air Force, signify the growing defense cooperation between the two nations.
• Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) (2004): CECA aimed to boost bilateral trade and investment by reducing tariffs and promoting economic integration.
• India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (2010): This agreement, with Thailand as a member of ASEAN, further strengthened economic ties and facilitated greater trade liberalization.
• Strategic Partnership (2012): The elevation of the relationship to a "Strategic Partnership" during the Thai Prime Minister's visit to India marked a significant milestone, emphasizing the commitment to enhance cooperation in strategic areas like defense, security, and counter-terrorism.
• Cooperation in Multilateral Fora (ongoing): India and Thailand collaborate closely in regional and international forums like the UN, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and BIMSTEC, promoting regional peace, security, and development.
• Focus on Connectivity Projects (2010s onwards): Both countries recognize the importance of connectivity for economic growth and are actively involved in projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC).

Importance of India-Thailand Relations:

• Shared Cultural Heritage: The deep-rooted cultural connections based on Buddhism provide a strong foundation for people-to-people ties and understanding.
• Economic Cooperation: Thailand is an important economic partner for India in Southeast Asia, with potential for increased trade and investment in various sectors.
• Strategic Significance: Situated in a geopolitically significant region, Thailand is crucial for India's Act East Policy and its broader strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
• Security Cooperation: Both countries face common security challenges like terrorism and transnational crime, necessitating closer cooperation in defense and security matters.
• Regional Stability: Strong India-Thailand relations contribute to peace and stability in Southeast Asia, a region of growing importance in the global order.

Future Prospects:

India-Thailand relations are poised to grow further in the coming years. Enhanced cooperation in areas like maritime security, cyber security, digital technology, and people-to-people exchanges will be crucial for realizing the full potential of this partnership.