Amid growing bilateral ties between India and Thailand, especially at a time when the latter has publicly expressed its willingness to join BRICS, Indian Army troops reached the Kingdom for a joint military exercise with their counterparts.
"The Indian Army contingent comprising 76 personnel is being represented mainly by a Battalion of the LADAKH SCOUTS along with personnel from other arms and services. The Royal Thailand Army contingent also comprises 76 personnel mainly from 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of 4 Division," India's Ministry of Defense (MoD) said in a statement on Tuesday.
The development comes against the backdrop of Thailand admitting its desire to join BRICS recently.
Earlier this week, Seksan Anantasirikiat, a strategic researcher at Thailand's International Studies Center (ISC) told Sputnik India that Thailand would seek support for it's BRICS candidature from all relevant actors, including India as the founding member of the group.
"India is a regional key player due to its economic potential and the country's aspiration to have a significant role in the region," the expert asserted. "Bangkok is eager to elevate its relationship with New Delhi in several areas that could gear towards a strategic partnership."