New Delhi [India], February 11 (ANI): The Indian Air Force is undertaking a joint in-situ air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force, aimed at enhancing operational coordination and interoperability between the two forces.
In a post on X, the IAF said the exercise involves IAF Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, AWACS, AEW&C, and IL-78 aerial refueling aircraft, alongside RTAF Gripen aircraft. The exercise is expected to further strengthen Indo-Thai defense cooperation and promote regional synergy.
India and Thailand have historically shared warm and cordial relations. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were formally established in 1947, and both sides marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2022.
A Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation between India and Thailand was signed on January 25, 2012. Ongoing defense cooperation includes defense dialogue, joint maritime patrols by the navies of both countries, annual staff talks, subject matter expert exchange visits, training of officers at each other’s institutions, and participation in trilateral and multilateral military exercises.
As part of regular high-level defense engagements, the Chief of Defense Force of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, General Songwit Noonpackdee, paid an official visit to India from January 21 to January 24, 2025.
Bilateral ties between India and Thailand are multifaceted and span areas such as trade and investment, defense and security, connectivity, culture and tourism, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Thailand’s “Act West” policy complements India’s “Act East” policy, and the two countries are maritime neighbors.
The population of people of Indian origin in Thailand is estimated at around 400,000 to 500,000, including more than 25,000 non-resident Indians. The majority are based in Bangkok and include communities such as Punjabi Hindus, Namdhari and other Sikh sects, Gorakhpuris, Malayalis, Tamils, Gujaratis, Marwaris, and Sindhis, along with other linguistic and regional groups.
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