< b="" />Introduction: Look East and Look West Policies< />

India's Look East policy was launched in the early 1990s with the aim of strengthening its economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian countries, as well as enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The policy focused on expanding trade, investment, and diplomatic relations with countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

In response to India's Look East policy, several countries in the region also developed their own policies to strengthen ties with India. One such policy is Thailand's Look West policy, which aims to enhance economic and strategic relations between Thailand and India. This policy is complementary to India's Look East policy and seeks to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

< b="" />Thailand's Look West Policy< />

Thailand's Look West policy was launched in 1997 and has since been a key aspect of its foreign policy towards India. The policy aims to foster closer economic, political, and cultural ties between Thailand and India, and to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, and education.

< b="" />Economic Cooperation< />

One of the main objectives of Thailand's Look West policy is to promote economic cooperation between Thailand and India. Both countries have identified areas of mutual interest, such as agriculture, food processing, automobile manufacturing, and tourism, where they can collaborate and benefit from each other's expertise and resources. Efforts have been made to enhance trade and investment between the two countries through the signing of bilateral agreements and the establishment of trade promotion organizations.

< b="" />Political and Strategic Relations< />

Thailand's Look West policy also aims to strengthen political and strategic relations between the two countries. Regular high-level visits and exchanges have taken place to enhance diplomatic ties, promote dialogue on regional and global issues, and coordinate positions on various matters of mutual interest. This has helped in building trust and understanding between the two countries, and has paved the way for increased cooperation in areas such as defense, counter-terrorism, and regional security.

< b="" />Cultural Exchanges< />

Another important aspect of Thailand's Look West policy is the promotion of cultural exchanges between Thailand and India. Both countries have a rich cultural heritage and share common historical and religious ties. Efforts have been made to enhance people-to-people contacts, facilitate tourism, and promote cultural exchanges in the form of festivals, exhibitions, and cultural performances. These exchanges help in fostering mutual understanding, appreciation, and respect for each other's cultures.

< b="" />Conclusion< />

Thailand's Look West policy is a complementary policy to India's Look East policy. It aims to enhance economic, political, and cultural ties between Thailand and India, and to strengthen their cooperation in various areas. Through this policy, Thailand seeks to deepen its engagement with India and leverage the opportunities provided by India's growing economy and its Look East policy.