It was unfortunate that the two countries were not able to conclude the much-anticipated free-trade agreement between them, but there are still sensitive items they have yet to agree on. That should not dampen the overall accomplishments of the visit. After all since the elimination of tariffs on 82 items under the early-harvest scheme of a limited free-trade agreement signed in 2004, bilateral trade increased to US$3.4 billion (Bt117.4 billion) last year, with Thailand enjoying a surplus of $200 million. This year a target of $4 billion will be met without any problem.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Thailand's exports to India include plastic pellets, radios, televisions and parts, steel and iron products, plus automobile accessories, while the Kingdom imports diamonds and jewellery, silver ingots, gold, ore, metal and chemical products from India.

Thailand and India are natural partners, but somehow they have failed to connect with each other both in regional and global arenas even though no actual barriers exist to keep them apart. However, India has in recent times adopted a more outward-looking foreign policy, which looks beyond the traditional realm of South Asia and developing countries. Thailand has been engaging in relations with India since the 1980s when Rajiv Gandhi was still prime minister, long before India joined major regional groupings such as the Asia Europe Meeting, the Asean Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit. Cooperation between Thailand and India was renewed in the 1980s. It was during this time that leaders of both countries overcame the animosity stemming from the Cambodian conflict, when India backed the Vietnam-installed government in Phnom Penh.

With this improved rapport having developed between them, Thailand and India together with other countries in South Asia decided to kick off a new regional grouping in 1997 known as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec), which links Bangladesh, India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Bhutan together.

Ties between the two countries were also weakened in 1997 by the Asian financial crisis, which hit Thailand badly and stalled improved relations between with New Delhi. The "Look East" policy of the Indian government continued but with a different focus - Thailand lost out to Singapore, as India became more linked with the rest of the region in the early 1990s.

New Delhi's eastward diplomacy has effectively pushed India into the embrace of East Asia more than any other country in South and Southwest Asia. Its membership in regional groupings such as the Asean Regional Forum and the Asia Europe Meeting has made India a genuine regional power, with the potential to become a global power. India is learning fast how to connect with the rest of Asia and benefit from it.

It is timely for Thailand to pay more attention to India. Given the international environment, India is bound to play a more visible role in international politics. India's positions on climate change, nuclear proliferation and trade issues are pivotal. Thailand's diplomacy has for too long been focused on the US and China.

India's close proximity to Thailand should be a major advantage. The two countries share common maritime borders. They have already taken initiatives and engaged in joint cooperation schemes to promote defence and security. India's vast experience in dealing with home-grown terrorism has won admiration in Thailand and this is a new area of cooperation between the two countries. It is hoped that Surayud's visit will further lay the groundwork for the two countries to grow from strength to strength commensurate with their ever-strong cultural ties.