New Delhi, Aug 25 (UNI) Indian Air Force Chief ACM BS Dhanoa will be embarking on a three-day visit to Thailand on Monday, to give an impetus towards growing defence cooperation between both the nations.
During his visit, ACM Dhanoa would be attending the 2019 Indo Pacific Chiefs of Defence (CHOD) Conference in Bangkok, an IAF Spokesperson said.
The theme for the conference is 'Collaboration in a free and Open Indo-Pacific'.
The Chiefs of Defence of more than 33 countries are scheduled to attend the Conference, which will provide perspectives on common challenges, faced by attending nations and elicit open discussions on the same.
Bilateral defence relations between India and Thailand have gained momentum, consequent to India's 'Look/Act East Policy,' along with overall improvement in relations at political, economic and cultural levels.
The Joint Working Group on Security Cooperation, initiated in May 2003, had nominated Military Cooperation as one of the seven primary areas of focus, to strengthen cooperation.
This was re-enforced in the joint statement, issued during Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's official visit to India in January, 2012.
India and Thailand have commemorated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2017.
Such visits and cooperation will contribute, in the medium and long term, towards India being a natural partner of Thailand, for regional collaborative security initiatives.
UNI ASH RJ 1818