Editorial 2 : Reaching Out
Context: Elevation of India’s bilateral ties with Thailand to a strategic level and BIMSTEC summit.
India-Thailand Strategic Partnership
- Historical Neglect
- Thailand is geographically proximate to India but historically lacked strategic prominence in Delhi’s foreign policy.
- Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore dominated India’s diplomatic focus.
- Thailand ranks as the 4th largest trading partner for India in Southeast Asia despite being the region’s 2nd largest economy.
- Recent Advancements
- Bilateral Visit: Modi’s Bangkok visit (first bilateral PM visit in over a decade) strengthened ties.
- Key Initiatives
- Visa-free travel for Indians boosted Thailand’s popularity as a leisure destination for India’s middle class.
- Enhanced defence and advanced technology cooperation, including outer space collaboration.
- Growing collaboration between security establishments of both nations.
- Strategic Significance
- Strengthens India’s Act East Policy by deepening regional integration.
- Positions Thailand as a critical partner for India in Southeast Asia.
BIMSTEC Revitalization
- Background of BIMSTEC
- It was launched in 1997 to connect South Asia (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand).
- It has witnessed limited progress due to weak institutionalization and lack of momentum.
- India’s Shift from SAARC to BIMSTEC
- SAARC Stagnation: Pakistan’s obstruction of regional integration at the 2014 Kathmandu Summit prompted India to prioritize BIMSTEC.
- Rebooting BIMSTEC
- Institutional reforms: Adoption of a BIMSTEC Charter for formal structure.
- Expanded cooperation areas: Maritime security, trade, technology, and climate resilience.
- Key Outcomes of the 2023 Bangkok Summit
- Maritime Transport Agreement: Streamlines regional connectivity and trade.
- Vision Document: Outlines long-term goals for economic and technical collaboration.
Engagement with Key Neighbours
- Myanmar
- Humanitarian Assistance: India offered aid post-earthquake (operation Brahma) amid Myanmar’s civil war and political instability.
- Strategic Concerns
- Myanmar’s instability threatens BIMSTEC’s role as a South-Southeast Asia bridge.
- International isolation complicates regional cooperation efforts.
- Bangladesh
- Post Hasina Tensions: Relations strained since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024.
- PM Modi’s Diplomatic Outreach
- Meeting with interim government adviser Muhammad Yunus aimed at reducing hostilities.
- The PM highlighted concerns over violence against minorities, hostile rhetoric, and border incidents.
- He emphasized on pragmatic engagement to preserve gains from the Hasina era.
Challenges
- Myanmar’s Instability: Risks derailing BIMSTEC’s connectivity agenda.
- Bangladesh’s Political Climate: New government’s stance threatens past bilateral progress.
- BIMSTEC’s Slow Progress: Requires sustained momentum to avoid SAARC-like stagnation.
Opportunities
- Regional Connectivity: BIMSTEC’s maritime and transport agreements can boost trade.
- Security Collaboration: Counter-terrorism and defence tech partnerships with Thailand.
- Economic Integration: Leverage Thailand’s economy to expand India’s Southeast Asian footprint.
Conclusion: PM Modi’s Bangkok engagements underscore India’s dual focus i.e. elevating bilateral ties with Thailand to counterbalance Southeast Asia’s economic giants and revitalising BIMSTEC as a credible alternative to SAARC for regional integration.