India, Thailand Discuss Expanding Cooperation in Education, Tourism and Defence

The discussions also covered parliamentary cooperation, the exchange of best practices, counterterrorism, disaster management and coordination on international issues, including within the BRICS framework.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was also present at the meeting.

Birla said the discussions reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the two countries, which is rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilisational connections.

In a post on X, the Lok Sabha Speaker said India’s Act East Policy was providing fresh momentum to bilateral ties and creating opportunities to deepen cooperation across several areas of mutual interest.

He added that both sides explored ways to strengthen parliamentary engagement and collaborate on shared priorities aimed at improving public welfare.

Meeting Held Alongside BRICS Parliamentary Forum

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the two-day 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, being held at the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Complex in Parliament House, New Delhi.

The forum began on Monday and has brought together parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries to discuss ways to strengthen legislative cooperation and advance people-centric development.

The discussions provide a platform for participating countries to exchange experiences, share institutional practices and explore cooperation on issues of common concern.

Surasajja arrived in New Delhi on October 25 to participate in the parliamentary forum.

Thailand Senate President Welcomed in New Delhi

The Lok Sabha welcomed Surasajja upon his arrival in the national capital ahead of the forum.

According to a post by the Lok Sabha on X, he was received at Indira Gandhi International Airport on October 25 by Members of Parliament Sandhya Ray and Dilip Saikia.

The engagement between Birla and Surasajja reflects the two countries’ efforts to use parliamentary exchanges and multilateral forums to strengthen bilateral relations.

With trade, tourism, education, defence and cultural cooperation among the areas discussed, the meeting highlighted the scope for further engagement between India and Thailand under the broader framework of India’s Act East Policy.