Thailand Chooses Trade With India Amid Turmoil With US Over Trump's Tariffs

Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar in New Delhi on December 1, 2025, to strengthen bilateral relations amid evolving regional challenges. Jaishankar highlighted Thailand as a valued long-time friend and maritime neighbor, noting the synergy between India's Act East policy and Thailand's Look West policy, which elevated ties to a strategic partnership during PM Modi's April 2025 visit to Bangkok for the BIMSTEC Summit. Several agreements were signed in areas like handlooms, handicrafts, digital technologies, MSMEs, and maritime heritage. The Thai FM proposed co-hosting a cybersecurity conference on December 17 to combat rising cyber scams through enhanced intelligence sharing and law enforcement cooperation, while expressing interest in joint defence technology production, including armoured and military vehicles.

Amid US tariffs imposed under President Trump, Thailand seeks to diversify trade relations, viewing India as a high-potential partner. This initiative builds on India's confirmed defence trade with ASEAN in early November, as emphasized by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his Kuala Lumpur address, where he described India's cooperation as contributing to regional peace, stability, and capacity building in an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific. The discussions position India as a emerging trade hub and global lifeline for ASEAN nations navigating tariff pressures, potentially boosting 'Make in India' through increased investments and alliances.