India and Thailand Deepen Defence Cooperation During 10th Defence Dialogue

India and Thailand agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence manufacturing, research, innovation, and capability development during the 10th Thailand–India Defence Dialogue held in Bangkok. 

The dialogue reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global security issues, particularly developments in the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Satyajit Mohanty, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence (India), and Admiral Nuttapol Diewvanich, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence (Thailand).

Key Highlights of the Dialogue:

Defence Manufacturing and R&D Cooperation

Both countries discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration in:

Defence manufacturing

Defence research and development (R&D)

Innovation and emerging technologies

Capability development

Defence industry partnerships

The objective is to promote mutually beneficial cooperation between the defence ecosystems of both countries.

Indo-Pacific Security

The two sides exchanged views on the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed their commitment to:

Peace and stability

Freedom of navigation

Regional prosperity

Rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

Military-to-Military Engagements

The dialogue reviewed progress in:

Training exchanges

Capacity-building programmes

Maritime cooperation

Military exchanges

Defence dialogues

between the armed forces of both countries.

Cooperation through Regional Frameworks

India and Thailand also discussed cooperation under ASEAN-led defence mechanisms and other multilateral security frameworks.

Additional Key Facts

India–Thailand Strategic Partnership

Relations elevated to Strategic Partnership in 2025.

Thailand is an important member of ASEAN.

Thailand is a crucial partner in India's Indo-Pacific vision.

Defence Cooperation Between India and Thailand

The two countries signed an MoU on Defence Cooperation in 2012.

Areas of cooperation include:

Defence dialogues

Joint maritime patrols

Staff talks

Military training

Defence industry cooperation

Multilateral military exercises

ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus)

India and Thailand cooperate through the ADMM-Plus, which focuses on:

Maritime Security

Counter-Terrorism

Cyber Security

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

Peacekeeping Operations

India's Defence Manufacturing Push

India is promoting indigenous defence production through:

Make in India

Atmanirbhar Bharat

Defence Industrial Corridors

Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP)

India has emerged as a growing defence exporter and manufacturing hub.

About Thailand

Capital: Bangkok

Currency: Thai Baht

Prime Minister: Anutin Charnvirakul

Member of ASEAN

Important maritime neighbour of India

Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes)

Event → 10th Thailand–India Defence Dialogue

Venue → Bangkok, Thailand

Key Focus → Defence Manufacturing, Research & Innovation

Indian Representative → Satyajit Mohanty

Thai Representative → Admiral Nuttapol Diewvanich

Strategic Context → India–Thailand Strategic Partnership (2025)

Regional Focus → Indo-Pacific

Related Policy → Act East Policy

Defence Cooperation MoU → 2012