ORF Report Urges India and Thailand Deeper Strategic Compact

The Observer Research Foundation released a report titled 'India and Thailand: The Compelling Case for a Deeper Compact,' arguing that Thailand is seeking to diversify its strategic partnerships to reduce overdependence on the United States and China. The report characterizes the U.S. as unpredictable and China as coercive, particularly regarding maritime posture, positioning India as a viable third axis for Bangkok.

To realize this partnership, the report identifies five early-harvest sectors for immediate collaboration: semiconductors, artificial intelligence, automotives, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and tourism. Specifically, the think tank proposes a co-development model for semiconductor production and a trilateral automotive framework that would include Japan.

The findings align with India's Act East policy and Viksit Bharat ambitions, while complementing Thailand's Act West approach and Thailand 4.0 strategy. The report further suggests that India must enhance its Buddhist tourism infrastructure to successfully attract more visitors from Thailand.