Joint
Statement on Prime Minister's Visit to Thailand on 30-31 May 2013
1. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the
Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of the
Republic of India, H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh, paid an Official Visit to Thailand
from 30-31 May 2013. He was accompanied by the Minister of External Affairs, a
high level official and media delegation.
2. The Prime Minister of India presented a
sapling of the sacred Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya as a special gift to His Majesty
King Bhumibol Adulyadej as a symbol of the shared cultural heritage between
India and Thailand.
3. The official talks between Thailand and India
were held on 30 May 2013 in a warm, cordial and friendly atmosphere, reflecting
the excellent bilateral relations and friendship that exist between the two
countries. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra hosted an official banquet in
honour of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Indian delegation.
4. The two Prime Ministers held wide-ranging
discussions on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
They reviewed the progress made in recent years on building a stronger, broader
and deeper relationship across the range of Thailand-India interests, based on
shared historical, religious and cultural ties. They also noted with
satisfaction that Thailand and India have developed a strong and mutually
beneficial cooperation at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels and have
played a significant role in fostering cooperation, contributing to
socio-economic development, peace and stability in the region.
5. They agreed that, while substantial progress
has been made, there was considerable potential for expanding the relationship
further. Thailand’s ‘Look West’ and India’s ‘Look East’ policies will be
pivotal for the development of the Thailand-India relationship towards a
strategic partnership. Both sides also agreed that the visit has imparted
greater momentum to the on-going bilateral ties.
Economic,
Trade and Investment Cooperation
6. The two Prime Ministers took note with
satisfaction that the bilateral trade between Thailand and India has grown
significantly in recent years. Over the past five years, trade between Thailand
and India increased at over 15% per annum. Last year, bilateral trade crossed
USD 8.6 billion. Both sides hoped that bilateral trade would continue to
further expand for the mutual benefit and sustainable economic growth of both
countries.
7. The two Prime Ministers appreciated the growth
in investment between Thailand and India in recent years, which has contributed
to economic growth and job creation in both countries. Last year, Thailand’s
Board of Investment approved 25 Indian projects which were worth over USD 200
Million. Meanwhile, investment in India by the Thai private sector is growing
steadily. FDI inflows from Thailand to India were over USD 12 million last
year. They welcomed the new initiatives taken to facilitate and increase the
flow of investments between the two countries.
8. India invited participation of the Thai
private sector in India’s plans to modernize and upgrade manufacturing and
infrastructure sectors, especially in Delhi-Mumbai and Chennai-Bangalore
Industrial Corridors, the Buddhist circuit and the North-East States of India.
India also welcomed Thai investment particularly in sectors such as ports and
highways, electronics, automobile components, food processing and power
generation, as well as tourism and hospitality facilities. India expressed its
interest in participating in mega transport and infrastructure development
projects in Thailand.
9. The two Prime Ministers welcomed establishment
of Thailand-India Business Forum with the involvement of the private sector to
stimulate expansion of bilateral trade and investments, and facilitate business
partnerships. They expressed the hope that the Thailand-India Business Forum
will expand the existing ties between private sectors in the two countries.
10. In order to further create a supportive
atmosphere for trade and investment promotion as well as to facilitate travel
of business persons of both countries, the two sides agreed to provide fast
track business visa service to the qualified entrepreneurs of each other’s
countries.
11. The two Prime Ministers underscored the need to
have an institutional arrangement on the social security benefits of the
workers in each other’s countries, which will facilitate labour mobility and
investments between the two countries. Both sides noted with satisfaction the
positive discussions on Social Security Agreement between the two countries
that would facilitate and streamline the movement of professionals and workers
and expressed the hope that this agreement would be finalized at an early date.
In this connection, they agreed to discuss a proposal for the establishment of
a framework to enable regulated deployment of labour from India into the
required sectors in Thailand.
12. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their strong
commitment to achieve a comprehensive and balanced outcome of the
Thailand-India FTA negotiations. Both sides appreciated the progress made in
the negotiations since the last round held in New Delhi in November 2012. Given
the emerging convergence on most issues, both sides expressed hope that the
negotiations be concluded soon after the next round of negotiations in
June-July 2013 in Bangkok. The Prime Ministers advised their respective
negotiators to show the required flexibility in concluding the long pending
negotiations to give a further fillip to the bilateral trade which has shown
healthy growth even during the current economic slowdown.
13. They welcomed the successful conclusion of the
negotiations on the ASEAN-India Agreement on Trade in Services and the
Agreement on Investment under the broader framework of Comprehensive Economic
Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between India and the ASEAN.
14. They also agreed that the BIMSTEC FTA will be
beneficial to the region and encouraged the BIMSTEC members to accelerate the
negotiations with an aim to concluding the negotiations at the earliest
opportunity.
Connectivity
15. The two Prime Ministers emphasized the
importance of enhancing connectivity between the two countries through regional
cooperation and the development of road and shipping infrastructure linking
Thailand and India. They welcomed the setting up of the Thailand-India Joint
Working Group on Connectivity and Infrastructure to help expedite cooperation
on connectivity initiatives in both countries as well as in third countries.
They took note of the fruitful outcomes of the first meeting held in New Delhi
in September 2012, including the possibilities for cooperation on the Dawei
Deep Sea Port and Special Economic Zone projects.
16. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the
India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project, as it would greatly enhance
the connectivity between the Mekong sub-region and India. They also noted that
the Joint Task Force Meeting on the Trilateral Highway, held in New Delhi in
September 2012 agreed to make all efforts to complete the trilateral road
connectivity by 2016. The meeting also emphasized the necessity to develop the
infrastructure to ensure fast and seamless transit along the Trilateral Highway
as well as an increase in trade, investment, services and tourism activities.
17. In this connection, the Indian side welcomed
Thailand’s proposal to host the next India–Myanmar–Thailand Joint Task Force
Meeting on the Trilateral Highway Project, as well as the second Meeting of the
Thailand-India Joint Working Group on Connectivity and Infrastructure in
June-July 2013.
18. The Thai side proposed to host the Third
India-Myanmar-Thailand Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages to address the
issues of infrastructure and facilitation. This is aimed at maximizing the utilization
of the Trilateral Highway as a means of strengthening regional economic growth
and integration. Thailand will liaise with India and Myanmar regarding the
appropriate date for the Meeting.
19. The Thai side informed the Indian side of the
progress that Thailand and Myanmar have made on the project for the development
of the Dawei Special Economic Zone in southern Myanmar, which, once
operational, would further enhance regional connectivity including port-to-port
linkages with India and open enormous business opportunities for the region. In
this regard, the Thai side invited the Indian business sector to invest in the
Dawei Special Economic Zone, especially in the areas where Indian companies
have expertise, such as steel, manufacturing, power, petrochemicals, services
and others. Thailand welcomed India's invitation to organize a road show in
India in this respect later this year.
20. Both sides noted with satisfaction that
connectivity between India and Thailand through aviation has developed continuously
and increased significantly. There are currently around 150 flights between
Thailand and India per week. The two Prime Ministers welcomed new air routes by
Thai Airways connecting Bangkok with Ahmedabad as well as Phuket - Delhi and
Phuket - Mumbai. They also expressed their support for more air connections
between both countries.
Security and
Defence
21. The two Prime Ministers appreciated the close
interactions and regular exchanges between the Armed Forces of Thailand and
India including the official visit of the Thai Defence Minister to India in
December 2012, the conduct of the Defence Dialogue in February 2013 and the
regular Coordinated Patrol (CORPATs) conducted by the Indian Navy and the Royal
Thai Navy. The Thai side also welcomed the visit of the Indian Defence Minister
to Thailand in June 2013. Both sides agreed to enhance anti-piracy cooperation,
promote security of sea lanes and Coast Guard cooperation to contribute to the
maintenance of peace in the region and to work towards ensuring safety and
security of navigation in the Indian Ocean. Both sides agreed to continue
providing scholarships and training programmes for the sharing of expertise.
22. Thailand expressed interest in India’s defence
industry, which has competitive production and advanced technology. Both
countries agreed to pursue defence industry collaboration in areas of mutual
interest.
23. They also welcomed the deepening of cooperation
through the Joint Working Group on Security Cooperation. The 7th India-Thailand
JWG on Security Cooperation, held in Thailand in July 2012, agreed to expedite
the implementation of the five-year programme finalized by the Joint Working
Group. Progress on the implementation of the Work Programme will be reported at
the next JWG meeting, to be hosted by India.
24. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of
the bilateral Extradition Treaty which would provide a legal basis for
bilateral cooperation in dealing with elements acting against national interests.
Both leaders reiterated their resolve to significantly enhance bilateral
cooperation in combating terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking,
counterfeiting and human trafficking. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in
the field of counter terrorism and intelligence sharing through expedited
follow-up of each other’s requests for legal assistance.
Science and
Technology
25. The two Prime Ministers acknowledged the
significance of cooperation in science and technology. Exchanges of technology,
R&D, education and skills are encouraged to broaden ties between the
scientific and technological communities of both governments. The leaders noted
the importance of continued cooperation and declared their commitment to
improve coordination in science and technology.
26. Both leaders acknowledged the progress made
under the Programme of Cooperation in the field of science and technology and
welcomed the implementation of joint research projects. They agreed that
capacity building and joint projects on space application under existing
institutional arrangements and agreements such as ‘urban mapping’, ‘agriculture
crop mapping’ and ‘archaeological atlas’ would help in the betterment of lives
of the people of the two countries.
Culture,
Education and People-to-People Exchange
27. Both countries agreed to deepen cultural and
historical ties between the two countries by promoting diverse cultural
exchanges. Both sides welcomed the setting up of the Thailand-India Exchange
Programme which would help accelerate people-to-people contacts in cultural and
other fields benefiting both societies. Both sides agreed to further promote
exchanges among parliamentarians, academicians, scientists, artists and
intellectuals.
28. Recognizing the significance of educational
collaboration, the two Prime Ministers agreed to promote more student exchanges
at all levels and expressed interest in further enhancing the mobility and
exchange of students between India and Thailand. The Thai side noted with
appreciation that India would continue to offer 90 scholarships under the
Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), 26 scholarships under the
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and scholarships under AYUSH each
year. Both sides noted with satisfaction the contribution of the ICCR Chair for
Sanskrit Studies at Silpakorn University and welcomed the decision to establish
an ICCR Chair for Hindi at Thammasat University, which has offered a Bachelor
of Arts programme in Indian Studies for the first time this year while other
universities in Thailand continue to offer Indian Studies courses.
29. The two Prime Ministers noted that
institutional links between the two countries are progressing very well. They
welcomed the increase in direct university to university collaboration and
progress in the realisation of the shared goal of making the modern Nalanda
University an international institution of excellence. India appreciated the
Government of Thailand's contribution of USD 100,000 to the University's
Establishment Fund, as well as contributions totalling more than USD 33,000 by
Thailand's private sector, particularly those having investments in India, to
the Thailand Fund for Nalanda University. The private contributions will be
used to finance students and academicians pursuing Buddhist Studies, Philosophy
and Comparative Religion.
30. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to
promote Thailand-India cultural exchanges. Thailand welcomed activities by the
Indian Cultural Centre in Bangkok, which had been enhancing Thai citizens’
understanding of the Indian culture.
31. Both sides discussed the implementation of the
bilateral Cultural Exchange Programme for 2012-14, and in this connection
welcomed the offer by the Indian Museum in Kolkata to hold a major exhibition
on Buddhist art in Bangkok in collaboration with National Museum of Thailand.
32. People-to-people links are central to the
relationship between Thailand and India. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed
that both countries welcomed all legitimate travellers, including tourists,
students, workers and monks. In this context, they expressed satisfaction over
the progress made in the first two meetings of the ad hoc Thailand-India Joint
Working Group on Visa and Consular Matters to facilitate and encourage
people-to-people contact between the two countries in addressing issues related
to travel, visa facilitation, the safety of tourists and employment with a view
to achieve mutually satisfactory solutions.
Regional and
Multilateral Cooperation
33. The two sides expressed their desire to further
deepen their valued partnership and cooperation in the context of ASEAN-India
strategic partnership as well as BIMSTEC. Both sides agreed to foster regional
ties, particularly through the enhancement of economic, scientific, educational
and technical cooperation.
34. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to
development projects and capacity building in the lower Mekong region through
the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC). In this context, both leaders supported the
setting up of the MGC Asian Traditional Textiles Museum in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
They also endorsed the usefulness of the India-CLMV Quick Impact Project Fund
to give a fillip to short gestation projects under MGC.
35. The two sides acknowledged that the Leaders-led
East Asia Summit can play a significant role as a forum for building an open,
inclusive, transparent and participative architecture of regional cooperation
in Asia and the Pacific to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the
region.
36. The two Prime Ministers noted with appreciation
the close cooperation between Thailand and India in various international fora
and agreed to further enhance their cooperation in the United Nations and other
international fora on matters of mutual interest.
37. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the Doha
Gateway outcome of the 18th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and emphasized the need to work
closely for a balanced outcome under the Durban Platform in accordance with the
principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Equity. They
welcomed the outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20)
in June 2012 which reaffirmed the Rio Principles and made political commitment
towards sustainable development and poverty eradication. The two leaders
expressed their hope that the post-2015 Development Agenda would focus on
development, economic growth and poverty eradication, preserve the national
policy space and priorities of developing countries and provide the necessary
means of implementation to developing countries.
38. The two leaders reiterated their strong support
for the ongoing reform of the United Nations and its principal organs with a
view to making the United Nations more democratic, transparent and efficient so
that it can deal more effectively with the myriad challenges of the
contemporary world. They emphasized the importance of an early reform of the
United Nations Security Council so that it reflects the contemporary realities
and functions in a more accountable, representative and effective manner. The
Thai side acknowledged India's credentials for permanent membership of the UN
Security Council. The two leaders commended each other’s active role, continued
constructive contributions and cooperation in the field of international peace
and security.
39. The following agreements were signed during the
visit: -
• Extradition Treaty.
• MoU on the Establishment of the
Thailand-India Exchange Programme.
• MOU between Geo-Informatics and Space
Technology Development Agency and Survey of India for cooperation in the field
of Mapping and Geospatial Technology Applications.
• MOU between Geo-Informatics and Space
Technology Development Agency, Thailand and National Atlas and Thematic Mapping
Organization, India for cooperation in the field of Mapping and Geospatial
Technology Applications.
• MOU between Financial Intelligence Unit,
India and Anti Money Laundering Organization, Thailand on Cooperation in the
exchange of Financial Intelligence related to Money Laundering and Terrorism
Financing.
• MOU on Establishment of Hindi Chair at
Thammasat University.
• Procès-verbal of Exchange of Instrument of
Ratification of the Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
40. Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of
the Joint Commission at the level of Foreign Minister later this year in
Bangkok to review the sector-wise progress and to identify new areas of
cooperation.
41. The Prime Minister of India expressed his gratitude
to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the Royal Thai Government and the people
of Thailand for the warm welcome and cordial hospitality extended to him and to
the members of his delegation during his Official Visit.
List of Documents
Signed During Prime Minister's Visit to Thailand
Treaty/MOUs signed during the Visit of Prime
Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Thailand (30-31 May, 2013)
|
S.No |
Title of Treaty/ MoUs |
Signatory fromIndia |
Signatory from Thailand |
Remarks |
|
1. |
TreatyBetweenThe Republic of
IndiaandThe Kingdom of ThailandOn Extradition |
Salman Khurshid, Minister of
External Affairs |
Surapong Tovichakchaikul,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs |
The Treaty provides the
legal framework for seeking extradition of fugitive offenders, including
those involved in terrorism, transnational crimes, economic offences etc.
Treaty provides for the extradition of any person who is wanted for trial or
for the imposition or enforcement of a sentence by one Contracting State and is
found in the territory of the other Contracting State. This will help both
the countries in expedited extradition of fugitives. This Treaty would
further strengthen the relationship between two law enforcement agencies by
providing a firm legal basis for their bilateral cooperation. |
|
2. |
Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the
Kingdom of Thailand on the Establishment of the India - Thailand Exchange
Programme |
Salman Khurshid, Minister of
External Affairs |
Surapong Tovichakchaikul
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs |
India-Thailand Exchange
Programme will foster bilateral relations through the enhancement of
economic, scientific, educational, technical and cultural cooperation and the
promotion of greater understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
Cooperative activities in the fields of education and culture through
exchange of scholars, academicians, professionals; organizing seminars,
workshops; extending financial support to non-governmental organizations;
publication of standard works on Thailand-India relations; translations of
standard works of Thai Literature into Indian languages, will be promoted. |
|
3. |
Procès Verbal on Exchange of
Instrument of Ratification of the Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced persons. |
Salman Khurshid, Minister of
External Affairs |
Surapong Tovichakchaikul,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs |
The bilateral Treaty on
Transfer of Sentenced Persons, signed on 25 January 2012, has been ratified
by both sides. The Treaty provides the opportunity to foreign nationals, who
have been convicted and sentenced on a criminal offence, to serve their
sentence in their own country and facilitates their social rehabilitation
into their own countries. |
|
4. |
MOU between Geo-Informatics
and Space Technology Development Agency and Survey of India for cooperation
in the field of Mapping and Geospatial Technology Applications. |
Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador of
India to the Kingdom of Thailand |
Anond Snidvongs, Executive
Director, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency |
The objective of MoU is to
promote bilateral cooperation in the field of Space Technology for the mutual
benefit in a project titled "Indo-Thai Geo Spatial Cooperation”, in
pursuance of the Programme of Cooperation in the field of Science &
Technology for 2012-2014. The MoU seeks to share and demonstrate capabilities
and expertise gained by the Survey of India in Urban Mapping by undertaking
survey of a chosen town of area about 100 sq.km., in Thailand, and for
imparting training in surveying and mapping techniques to five officials of
GISTDA each year at the Indian Institute of Surveying and Mapping (IISM) at
Hyderabad. |
|
5. |
MOU between Geo-Informatics
and Space Technology Development Agency and National Atlas and Thematic
Organization for cooperation in the field of Mapping and Geospatial
Technology Applications. |
Anil Wadhwa Ambassador of
India to the Kingdom of Thailand |
Anond Snidvongs, Executive
Director, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency |
The objective of the project
is to publish an Archeological Atlas, in book and digital form, jointly by NATMO
and GISTDA with thematic plates using high-resolution satellite data and
geospatial technologies, to highlight the spread of Buddhism from India to
the South-East Asia, on the occasions of Her Royal Highness Princess
Mahachakri Sirindhon Birthday Anniversary in 2015 and the ASEAN Economic
Community in 2015. The proposed project will include India and participating
ASEAN countries. |
|
6. |
MoU between Financial
Intelligence Unit, India and Anti Money Laundering Organization, Thailand on
Cooperation in the exchange of Intelligence related to Money Laundering and
Terrorism Financing |
Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador of
India to the Kingdom of Thailand |
Seehanat Prayoonrat,
Secretary General, Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) |
The MoU will facilitate
cooperation in the investigation of persons suspected of money laundering and
criminal activity related to money laundering and terrorism financing. The
MoU seeks to assemble, develop, analyze and exchange information on such
issues. |
|
7. |
MOU between Indian Council
for Cultural Relations and Thammasat University on the establishment of the
ICCR Hindi Chair of Indian Studies (Hindi Language). |
Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador of
India to the Kingdom of Thailand |
Prof. Dr. Somkit
Lertpaithoon, Rector of Thammasat University |
The objective of MoU is to
establish the ICCR Chair for Hindi Language at the Thammasat University. This
Chair will offer a Bachelor of Arts programme in Indian Studies for the first
time in Thailand. |
[Source: PIB (PM Office) Press Release dated 30th
May 2013]