NDC India Delegation Visits Thai Air Force HQ

(MENAFN- IANS) Bangkok, June 2 (IANS) A delegation from the National Defence College (NDC) of India visited the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Headquarters in Bangkok on Tuesday.

The Embassy of India in Bangkok wrote on X that the delegation visited the RTAF Headquarters for a courtesy call on Air Marshal Wichain Vijiradharma, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence), as part of efforts to strengthen India-Thailand defence ties.

According to the Embassy, the delegation was warmly received and later toured the RTAF Museum as part of their Foreign Countries Study Tour.

The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Puneet Agarwal at the Embassy of India in Bangkok.

The Embassy noted that a delegation led by Maj Gen APS Bal from the NDC India is on a study visit to Thailand and held discussions with Ambassador Puneet Agarwal.

It added that wide-ranging discussions took place on ways to further strengthen the India-Thailand Strategic Partnership through enhanced defence-sector engagement.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), bilateral defence relations between India and Thailand gained momentum following India's Look East Policy, which was later upgraded to the Act East Policy, leading to overall improvement in relations across political, economic, and cultural levels.

India-Thailand defence cooperation comprises regular joint exercises and joint maritime patrols near the international maritime boundary to counter terrorism, piracy, and smuggling. It also includes training of officers at each other's Armed Forces Training institutions, service staff talks, and exchange of visits at various levels.

After the lifting of COVID-related restrictions in 2022, mutual Subject Matter Expert exchange visits and port calls by Indian ships recommenced.

Defence industry cooperation between the two countries has also increased steadily. Both sides participate in each other's defence-related exhibitions, such as Aero India, DefExpo, and Defence & Security exhibitions. Senior Defence Officials from both countries visit these exhibitions to promote further cooperation.

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