IAF, Royal Thai Air Force conduct joint exercise to boost synergy

The Indian Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force are conducting a joint air exercise to boost operational coordination. The drill features IAF's Su-30MKI and IL-78 aircraft alongside RTAF's Gripen jets, strengthening bilateral defence ties.

The Indian Air Force is undertaking a joint in-situ air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The exercise will enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two Air Forces, the IAF said.

In a post on X, the IAF said, "IAF is undertaking joint in-situ air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The exercise will enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two Air Forces. IAF Su-30MKI, AWACS, AEW&C and IL-78 refuelling aircraft are participating in the Ex, alongside RTAF Gripen aircraft, strengthening Indo-Thai defence cooperation and regional synergy."

#IAF is undertaking joint in-situ air exercise with #RoyalThaiAirForce (RTAF). The exercise will enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two Air Forces. IAF Su-30MKI, AWACS, AEW&C and IL-78 refuelling aircraft are participating in the Ex, alongside… pic.twitter.com/07ampQ0ptx — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 10, 2026

Indo-Thai Diplomatic History

India and Thailand have historically enjoyed warm and cordial relations. In contemporary times, the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1947, and both sides celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022.

Strengthening Defence Cooperation

The Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation between India and Thailand was signed on 25 January 2012.

The ongoing defence cooperation initiatives comprise defence dialogue, joint maritime patrolling by the navies of both countries, annual staff talks, subject matter expert exchange visits, training of officers at each other's institutions, trilateral/multilateral military exercises, etc.

As part of regular high-level defence-related visits, Chief of Defence Force of Royal Thai Armed Forces General Songwit Noonpackdee paid an official visit to India from 21-24 January 2025.

A Multifaceted Bilateral Relationship

The bilateral ties are multifaceted and cover a wide spectrum of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, connectivity, culture and tourism, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

Further, the 'Act West' policy of Thailand complements India's 'Act East' policy.

Thailand is India's maritime neighbour.

The Indian Community in Thailand

The total number of people of Indian origin in Thailand is estimated to be around 4 to 5 lakh, including more than 25,000 NRIs, the majority of whom are concentrated in Bangkok.

The community comprises mainly of Punjabi Hindus, Namdhari and other Sikh sects, Gorakhpuris, Malayalis, Tamils, Gujaratis, Marwaris, and Sindhis. Other linguistic and regional groups are also well represented.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)