The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed Puneet Agrawal as the next Ambassador of India to Thailand, as announced in a statement on February 13. Agrawal, a 1997 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, is currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. He is expected to commence his new role shortly, with the exact date of assuming office yet to be disclosed.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
India and Thailand have maintained historically friendly relations. The bilateral partnership encompasses a broad spectrum of areas, including trade and investment, security, cultural exchanges, education, and technology. The relationship is characterized by extensive people-to-people connections that contribute to mutual understanding and cooperation.
Strategic Partnerships and Regional Cooperation
Thailand plays a crucial role as India’s maritime neighbor, complementing India’s ‘Act East’ policy with its own ‘Act West’ initiative. Bilateral engagement extends through various regional and sub-regional frameworks such as ASEAN, the East Asia Summit, and others like BIMSTEC and IORA. These partnerships facilitate multifaceted collaboration between the nations on numerous platforms.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
In December, a significant meeting occurred in New Delhi between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The discussions focused on enhancing the strategic partnership and improving security cooperation, particularly in maritime context and the fight against online scams. The Thai Foreign Ministry underscored the importance of India’s role in these efforts.
Future Initiatives and Joint Efforts
During their meeting, both sides considered various initiatives, including Thailand’s invitation to India for an International Conference aimed at combating online scams, scheduled for December 17-18, 2025, in Bangkok. The agenda also encompassed strategic discussions related to fostering peace in Myanmar and a peaceful resolution to border issues between Thailand and Cambodia, highlighting the need for collaboration in demining activities along the border.
