India, Thailand Deepen Air Force Ties Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Against the backdrop of heightened regional security concerns and India’s intensified counter-terror posture following Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) held the 14th edition of Air Staff Talks in New Delhi from May 19 to 22, 2025. The engagement marks a continued effort by India to strengthen strategic military ties across the Indo-Pacific.

Image Source: Indian Air Force on X

The talks focused on deepening bilateral cooperation through joint training exercises, exchange of operational expertise, and professional military education between the two Air Forces. The dialogue was co-chaired by Air Vice Marshal II Kuttappa from the IAF and Air Marshal Pichitchai Surakitpipat representing the RTAF.

The timing of the meeting is significant. India is currently leading a sustained global diplomatic and military campaign against cross-border terrorism in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead. As part of Operation Sindoor, India has taken a more assertive regional stance — including cross-border strikes, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, and high-level diplomatic outreach to build international support.

The Air Staff Talks with Thailand are part of India’s wider strategic aim to build interoperability and trust with friendly air forces in Southeast Asia — a region that lies at the heart of India’s Act East Policy. Thailand, which shares maritime boundaries with India in the Andaman Sea, plays a vital role in the regional security architecture.

While the meeting was routine in format, the deepening of ties between the two air forces underscores India’s intent to build military cooperation with like-minded nations amid a shifting security landscape in the Indo-Pacific. No joint statement was issued, but officials indicated that proposals for expanded joint air exercises and operational-level exchanges are under active consideration.

The bilateral military dialogue complements India’s ongoing efforts to present a unified strategic response to terrorism and regional instability while reaffirming its position as a responsible security partner in Asia.