On 9 April 2026, H.E. Mr. Chettaphan Maksamphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, represented the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and ASEAN Senior Official of Thailand at the 28th ASEAN - India Senior Officials’ Meeting in Manila, co-chaired by the Philippines, as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India Relations, and India.

The Meeting reviewed progress and discussed ways to advance ASEAN - India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and followed up on the implementation of the ASEAN - India Plan of Action (2026-2030). The Meeting also discussed the Work Plan to Celebrate 2026 as the ASEAN - India Year of Maritime Cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international developments. Thailand underscored the importance of strengthening connectivity between ASEAN and India, namely (1) enhancing market connectivity alongside physical and energy linkages to support resilient supply chains; (2) advancing digital connectivity, including through cooperation in e-commerce, AI governance, and cross-border payments; and (3) deepening people-to-people ties, especially through expanding scholarship opportunities for ASEAN students to study at leading institutions in India.

ASEAN - India connectivity plays a vital role in advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in tangible terms. Bilateral trade has doubled to 112.5 billion USD since 2010 following the entry into force of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement. The expansion of direct flight routes has facilitated growing travel and tourism flows. This is complemented by strengthening digital connectivity, particularly in e-commerce, which continues to expand in line with the rapid growth of ASEAN’s digital economy, projected to exceed USD 300 billion, and India’s large internet user base of over 480 million, both of which support the expansion of cross-border online trade. In addition, since 2015, more than 300 ASEAN students have been awarded scholarships to study at Nalanda University in India, contributing to deeper people-to-people connectivity over the long term.