India and Thailand eye closer trade ties

Ambassador backs deeper connections through commerce and shared heritage, writes Shreyaa Srivastava

- Shreyaa Srivastava

As India and Thailand mark 78 years of diplomatic relations this year, both nations are seeking to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism, aiming to tap into their longstanding historical and cultural ties.

Nagesh Singh, India's ambassador to Thailand, said bilateral economic ties are gaining momentum, particularly through the ongoing review of the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement. “Eight to nine rounds of dialogue have taken place between India and Asean members to modernise the agreement to suit current economic realities,” he told the Bangkok Post.

Thailand's “Act West” policy — an initiative that leverages Thailand's strategic position as a maritime gateway linking Southeast Asia with South Asia — aligns closely with India’s “Act East” policy, creating new opportunities for cross-regional collaboration. India’s policy, launched in 2014, is a diplomatic initiative aimed at enhancing India’s economic, strategic, and cultural ties with Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, with Asean at its centre.