Beyond Cricket: How India and Thailand Are Growing Their Business Ties

While the India and Thailand Women’s Asia Cup T20 2026 match has certainly brought some rivalry between the two teams, there are many reasons beyond cricket that have made Thailand a close economic, infrastructure and cultural partner of India. This partnership is linked to Thailand’s “Look West” policy and India’s “Act East” policy.

India and Thailand have maintained a strong friendship based on their shared history, culture, Buddhist heritage and even the epic Ramayana. In a press statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit of the Prime Minister of Thailand to India, PM Modi said that both countries wanted to work more closely on trade, business, security and connectivity. Moreover, the two countries agreed to cooperate on terrorism, cybercrime, narcotics, human trafficking and other security threats. The leaders also expressed their commitment to stronger defence and naval cooperation, including military exercises, naval patrols and defence technology.

Both countries want to increase trade, manufacturing and investment. Thailand has considerable expertise in infrastructure and tourism, creating opportunities for greater collaboration with India. Promising sectors for cooperation include information technology, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing and machinery.

A major priority is the completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which can make the movement of people and goods easier. Better connectivity between the countries can also increase opportunities for tourism, education, science and cultural exchanges. India has also made it easier for Thai tourists to visit Buddhist sites in India by offering them double-entry e-tourist visas.

Overall, India and Thailand are looking to build closer ties across the economic, infrastructure, tourism, security and cultural sectors.