India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · THAILAND
India & Thailand
STRATEGIC PARTNERBIMSTEC MEMBERACT EAST POLICYTRILATERAL HIGHWAY
India and Thailand share ancient civilisational links through Buddhism and Hindu-influenced culture, formalised into a Strategic Partnership in 2012. Thailand is a key partner in India's Act East Policy, a founding member of BIMSTEC alongside India, and the endpoint of the planned India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. Trade, tourism and connectivity are the main growth areas.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Thailand actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
FY 2023-24 estimates. India has a trade deficit with Thailand. Main Indian exports: steel, petroleum, pharmaceuticals. Main imports: electronics, machinery, auto parts.
$15.1bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$5.6bn
India exports to country
$9.5bn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$15.1bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1947, in 7 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
The relationship is stable and growing, anchored by strong cultural ties and BIMSTEC multilateral engagement. The Trilateral Highway remains the most consequential pending deliverable for physical connectivity. Trade is at its highest level historically but India's structural trade deficit with Thailand is a recurring diplomatic friction point. Tourism recovery post-COVID is strong.
