Thailand and India Push Deeper Trade Partnership

Thailand and India Push Deeper Trade Partnership and Cross-Border Payments

Thailand and India are seeking to expand economic cooperation through joint investment, product development and access to international markets. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun proposed upgrading relations to a “Trusted Strategic Partnership” during talks with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. Five pilot sectors have been identified for closer cooperation: processed food, health and wellness, green industry, gems and jewellery, and hospitality. Both governments also agreed to accelerate plans linking Thailand’s PromptPay with India’s UPI system, allowing easier cross-border QR payments for travellers and businesses. Bilateral trade reached US$13.97 billion during the first seven months of 2026, an increase of more than 8% compared with the same period a year earlier.