On 30 November 2018, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, paid a visit to the Republic of India and held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India. The visit’s main purpose was to discuss aims and future plans to further strengthen ASEAN - India relations, as Thailand is currently the Country Coordinator for ASEAN - India Dialogue Relations (2018 - 2021), and will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2019.

          The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand expressed that the theme of Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” is relevant to the nature of Thailand - India as well as ASEAN - India relations. Both sides discussed priorities to achieve and move forward during Thailand’s ASEAN - India Coordinatorship and ASEAN Chairmanship. The Thai side focuses on three priority areas, namely (1) the enhancement of regional connectivity including land, sea and air connectivity, particularly the completion of India - Myanmar - Thailand Trilateral Highway in 2019 (2) the increase in ASEAN - India trade and investment value and the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations in 2019 and (3) the promotion of maritime cooperation. 

          Regarding the bilateral relations, the Indian side was pleased that the Royal Visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to India during 26 - 29 November 2018 was carried out successfully. The Indian side also noted with satisfaction the frequent meetings and discussions between the Thai and Indian Prime Ministers. Moreover, India expressed its readiness to host the 8th Meeting of Thailand - India Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation. With regard to sub-regional and regional cooperation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand invited India to become a Development Partner in Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). The Thai side also expressed its commitment to further deepening cooperation with India under other frameworks such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Furthermore, cooperation in the fields of economics and security was discussed.

          After the bilateral meeting, General Vijay Kumar Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, hosted a dinner in honour of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the Thai delegation.