India and Thailand convened the 10th Defence Dialogue in Bangkok on June 16, 2026, to intensify their bilateral security cooperation and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region. Co-chaired by senior defence officials from both nations, the meeting focused on transitioning from traditional military exercises to deeper industrial collaboration and technological innovation. This dialogue follows the historic elevation of bilateral ties to a formal Strategic Partnership in 2025, marking a new chapter in India’s maritime security architecture.
Strengthening Strategic Ties in Bangkok
The 10th Defence Dialogue was co-chaired by Satyajit Mohanty, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of Defence, and Admiral Nuttapol Diewvanich, Thailand’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence. The meeting served as a crucial platform to review the progress of bilateral defence initiatives since the 9th dialogue held in New Delhi in 2024.
Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the increasing depth of their military-to-military engagements. A significant highlight was the implementation of the Strategic Partnership framework established in 2025, which has enabled more frequent high-level visits and institutionalised exchanges. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, grounded in the principles of sovereignty and international law.
Key Focus Areas: From Research to Manufacturing
A major outcome of the dialogue was the consensus to expand cooperation beyond basic military exercises into the realm of defence manufacturing and technological innovation. Both nations identified several niche areas for potential co-design, co-production, and co-development of defence equipment.
The Indian delegation highlighted the rapid growth of India’s domestic defence industrial base under the Make in India initiative. Thailand expressed a keen interest in exploring Indian defence platforms, including coastal surveillance systems and electronic warfare subsystems. The two sides also agreed to institutionalise Subject Matter Experts Exchange (SMEE) programs to share best practices in advanced military technologies.
The Strategic Synergy: Act East and Look West
The defence cooperation between India and Thailand is a central pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Thailand’s Look West Policy. The two nations share a maritime boundary in the Andaman Sea, making them natural partners in ensuring the safety of international shipping lanes.
This bilateral synergy is further strengthened through regional frameworks like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) aligns closely with Thailand’s role in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Together, they aim to address transnational challenges such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing in the eastern Indian Ocean.
Maritime Cooperation and Joint Military Exercises
A fundamental aspect of the India-Thailand defence relationship is the regular conduct of joint military exercises across all three services. These exercises enhance interoperability and allow for the exchange of tactical knowledge.
| Exercise Name | Service | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| MAITREE | Army | Counter-terrorism and jungle warfare |
| SIAM BHARAT | Air Force | Interoperability and humanitarian assistance |
| INDO-THAI CORPAT | Navy | Coordinated patrols to combat illegal activities |
| Ex-AYUTTHAYA | Navy | Maiden bilateral maritime exercise launched in 2024 |
The Indo-Thai CORPAT (Coordinated Patrol) has been conducted bi-annually since 2005, focusing on the security of the Andaman Sea. The recently launched Ex-Ayutthaya holds deep symbolic value, as “Ayutthaya” in Thailand and “Ayodhya” in India share historical and cultural roots, signifying “The Invincible One.” These engagements are supplemented by India’s participation as an ‘Observer Plus’ in the US-Thailand led Cobra Gold, the largest multilateral exercise in the Asia-Pacific.
Key Takeaways
- The 10th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue was held in Bangkok on June 16, 2026, to review and expand bilateral security cooperation.
- The meeting was co-chaired by Satyajit Mohanty, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence (India), and Admiral Nuttapol Diewvanich (Thailand).
- Both nations agreed to shift focus towards defence manufacturing, innovation, and the co-production of military equipment.
- The dialogue noted the significant progress made since bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2025.
- India and Thailand share a maritime boundary in the Andaman Sea and collaborate through frameworks like BIMSTEC and ASEAN.
- Key joint military exercises include MAITREE (Army), CORPAT (Navy), and the newly established Ex-Ayutthaya (Navy).
