In the heart of New Delhi, the 10th Joint Commission Meeting unfolded its intellectual tapestry between India and Thailand on a Tuesday. Within this scholarly rendezvous, the ink of collaboration flowed onto a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), gracefully etching the contours of an academic partnership in the domains of Ayurveda and Thai traditional medicine, as disclosed in the eloquent press release by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, adorned with the titles of Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, embarked on an official expedition to India from February 25-28. This diplomatic pilgrimage was extended as an invitation by India’s sagacious External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, marking a significant milestone as Nukara’s inaugural official visit to India since assuming the mantle of office.
At the helm of the 10th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), EAM Jaishankar assumed the role of co-chair alongside the Thai Deputy PM, orchestrating an elegant luncheon on Tuesday in the latter’s honor. The JCM unfolded a ceremonial exchange of documents, comprising the “Agreed Minutes” and an MoU between India’s National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, and Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. This monumental MoU sets the stage for a scholarly confluence in Ayurveda and Thai Traditional Medicine, as eloquently detailed in the MEA’s proclamation.
Within the cocoon of the JCM, the two ministers undertook a comprehensive audit of progress across a spectrum of bilateral collaborations. Their scrutiny spanned defense and security, trade and investment, connectivity, science and technology, health, culture, and the intermingling of people.
Not confined to mere bilateral affairs, the ministers exchanged perspectives on regional and multilateral conundrums of mutual interest. A resounding commitment echoed through the corridors of cooperation, promising to elevate their engagement on sub-regional, regional, and multilateral platforms, particularly within the frameworks of ASEAN, BIMSTEC, MGC, ACMECS, and IMT-GT.
The tapestry of the India-Thailand partnership was intricately woven with threads of commitment. A harmonious convergence emerged, entwining India’s decade-long Act East Policy, celebrating its decennial in 2024, with Thailand’s Act West Policy.
EAM Jaishankar extended a gracious embrace to Thailand for spearheading the Maritime Ecology Pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). In response, Deputy PM Nukara conveyed heartfelt appreciation to India for the bestowal of Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and disciples Arahata Sariputra and Arahata Maudgalyayana, destined for exposition in Thailand, opening the gates for millions of Thai nationals to pay homage.
Amidst the diplomatic ballet, the Thai Deputy PM and Foreign Minister paid respects to the Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar. The ever-expanding canvas of India-Thailand partnership, now adorned with multifaceted hues, reflects the ongoing saga of high-level exchanges, weaving tighter the ancient bonds binding these two amicable nations and maritime compatriots, as underscored by the Ministry of External Affairs.