BANGKOK: India-Thailand Foreign Office Consultations

BANGKOK: The sixth round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Thailand were held on 21 April 2022 in New Delhi. The consultations were co-chaired by Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, these consultations took place after a gap of 3 years.

During the meeting, the two delegations reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including political, defence and security, economic and commercial, cultural, science & technology, tourism, people-to-people ties, post COVID-19 economic recovery, vaccine cooperation and other issues of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with each other in these areas. The two sides also agreed to improve connectivity including early operationalisation of India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and greater port linkages. The delegations exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues, including cooperation at United Nations and other International Organisations. Secretary (East) congratulated Thailand on the assumption of BIMSTEC Chairmanship for 2022-23 and assured of India’s full support and cooperation. Both sides reiterated their commitment to work further towards deepening and strengthening of bilateral relations.

As this year marks the 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand, the two sides agreed to celebrate this landmark occasion in a befitting manner. The Thai delegation also called on Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs on 21 April 2022.