India, Thailand Deepen Defence Cooperation to Strengthen Indo-Pacific Security

New Delhi, June 18: India and Thailand have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence relations, with both countries agreeing to enhance cooperation in manufacturing, research, innovation and capability development during the 10th Thailand-India Defence Dialogue held in Bangkok.

The high-level meeting underscored the growing strategic importance of the bilateral relationship as New Delhi and Bangkok seek to strengthen security collaboration amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

The dialogue, conducted on June 17 in the Thai capital, was co-chaired by Admiral Nuttapol Diewvanich, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence of Thailand, and Satyajit Mohanty, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of Defence. Senior officials from both sides reviewed the full spectrum of defence engagement and exchanged views on regional and global security developments.

According to officials, discussions focused on strengthening practical cooperation and advancing shared security objectives. Both delegations assessed the progress achieved since the previous round of talks and explored new opportunities to expand collaboration across multiple sectors.

A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to further strengthen defence industry partnerships. India and Thailand agreed to explore greater cooperation in defence manufacturing, technological innovation, research initiatives and capability enhancement programmes. The move is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration between defence industries, research institutions and strategic enterprises in both countries.

The two sides also reviewed ongoing military-to-military engagements, including training exchanges, professional interactions and capacity-building initiatives. Such programmes have become an important pillar of bilateral defence relations, helping to improve interoperability and mutual understanding between the armed forces of the two nations.

Maritime cooperation featured prominently during the discussions, reflecting the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean and adjoining waterways. Both countries acknowledged the importance of maintaining a secure and stable maritime environment to support regional trade, economic growth and freedom of navigation.

Officials noted that the Indo-Pacific security landscape remains dynamic, with emerging challenges requiring closer cooperation among like-minded partners. During the dialogue, India and Thailand exchanged perspectives on regional developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to preserving peace, stability and prosperity across the region.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss collaboration under regional and multilateral defence frameworks. Both sides reviewed cooperation through ASEAN-led mechanisms and other platforms aimed at promoting dialogue, confidence-building and collective security.

The delegations emphasized the importance of addressing common security concerns through sustained engagement and practical cooperation. They agreed that regular consultations and institutional mechanisms remain essential for strengthening trust and enhancing strategic coordination.

Defence ties between India and Thailand have witnessed steady growth in recent years, supported by expanding economic relations and increasing strategic convergence. The elevation of bilateral relations to a formal Strategic Partnership in 2025 provided fresh momentum to cooperation across sectors, including defence and security.

Experts believe the latest dialogue reflects the broader efforts of both countries to strengthen regional partnerships amid changing geopolitical realities. As major stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific, India and Thailand share common interests in maritime security, disaster response, counter-terrorism cooperation and maintaining a rules-based regional order.

The discussions concluded with both sides outlining future engagements and identifying areas for further collaboration. Officials expressed confidence that the outcomes of the dialogue would contribute to stronger defence ties and support long-term strategic cooperation between the two nations.

The latest round of talks highlights the growing importance of India-Thailand relations in shaping regional security architecture and reinforces the commitment of both countries to work together in addressing emerging challenges while promoting stability and development across the Indo-Pacific.