India, Thailand explore possibilities of deepening defence ties

NEW DELHI: India and Thailand today explored possibilities of deepening defence cooperation between the two Asian countries.

Thailand's Permanent Secretary of Defence Gen Sirichai Distakul, who is here on a three-day visit, held meetings with Defence Secretary R K Mathur and Secretary Defence Production G Mohan Kumar.

Sources said the talks focused on deepening the cooperation especially on the defence production side.

The Asian neighbour is keen to join hands with India for manufacture of small weapons, sources said.

Gen Distakul will be visiting an ordinance factory in Nagpur tomorrow, defence sources said.

The Defence Ministry is looking at engaging with Thailand and the first step was made in 2013 during a visit by then Defence Minister A K Antony.

He had then raised the matter of joint production with his Thai counterpart.