Thailand recently reaffirmed its strategic role in regional diplomacy at the 10th Raisina Dialogue, held in New Delhi from March 17-18, 2025.
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa joined over 200 global leaders, including foreign ministers from 21 countries, in discussing pressing geopolitical challenges. The conference, presided over by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is India’s premier forum for high-level engagement on global affairs.
Speaking in two major sessions, Minister Maris emphasized Thailand’s commitment to fostering stability in an increasingly polarized global landscape.
During the panel “ASEAN in a Polarized World,” he positioned Thailand as a crucial bridge builder, facilitating dialogue and maintaining strategic equilibrium in the Indo-Pacific. In the “Secure Waters: ASEAN, QUAD, and the Indo-Pacific” session, he highlighted ASEAN’s principles as central to regional security, navigating relations between ASEAN, the QUAD (India, Japan, Australia, and the U.S.), and external partners.
Engaging in bilateral talks with India
On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Maris engaged in a bilateral meeting with Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs. The discussions covered a broad range of regional and bilateral issues, reinforcing the commitment of both Thailand and India to strengthening ties.
Notably, Minister Maris extended Thailand’s invitation for Prime Minister Modi to attend the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 3-4, 2025.
Beyond economic and strategic cooperation, Thailand also assumed a humanitarian role, facilitating the safe repatriation of Indian nationals victimized by cross-border scam centers. This move underscored the kingdom’s commitment to regional security and humanitarian assistance, strengthening its reputation as a responsible diplomatic partner.
Thailand’s role in regional stability
Thailand’s active engagement at Raisina reflects its dedication to ASEAN centrality, ensuring that the region remains an anchor for peace and stability. As global divisions intensify, the kingdom continues to promote diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation as essential tools for navigating complex geopolitical shifts.
With the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit on the horizon, Thailand is set to further underscore its leadership in regional diplomacy. As BIMSTEC chair from 2022 to 2025, the country will host critical discussions aimed at shaping the future of South and Southeast Asian cooperation. Key deliverables, including BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, will outline strategies for achieving a “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open” region.
As Bangkok prepares to welcome leaders from across the region, the world will be watching how Thailand leverages its diplomatic momentum from Raisina to continue driving meaningful multilateral progress.
Teerin Julsawad