• India and Thailand re-signed the MoU for setting up the ICCR Sanskrit Chair at Silpakorn University to strengthen linguistic and cultural ties, emphasizing Sanskrit and Hindi studies.
• The agreement focuses on preserving shared linguistic heritage and promoting the study of Sanskrit and Hindi, as well as exploring collaborations in archaeology.
• Prime Minister Modi praised the role of Sanskrit in consolidating cultural bonds between India and Thailand, citing the contributions of Thai scholars in promoting Sanskrit studies in Thailand

In a significant development in the Indo-Thai bilateral, India's Ambassador to Thailand and President of Bangkok-based Silpakorn University, re-signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Sanskrit Chair at the University.

The re-signing underscores the centuries-old partnership between ICCR and Silpakorn University to protect shared linguistic heritage. They also discussed efforts to popularize the Hindi language among Thai students, along with efforts to find exchanges of archaeology expertise.

"Talking in his speech, the Ambassador referred to the contribution made by Silpakorn University towards the consolidation of deeply rooted linguistic and cultural ties between India and Thailand, especially through its Sanskrit Study Centre. Referring to other areas of cooperation, like advocating the study of the Hindi language amongst Thai students and sharing knowledge in the sphere of archaeology, were also on the agenda", the Embassy of India in Bangkok posted on X.

Sanskrit has had a profound influence on the philosophy, religion, languages, and literature of the majority of Southeast Asian countries, particularly Thailand. Sanskrit has been taught in Thailand for over 100 years. In response to further advancing the study and research of Sanskrit, Silpakorn University supported the proposal to establish the Sanskrit Studies Centre in 1996.

The ICCR Chair of Sanskrit was established in Silpakorn University under the MoU between ICCR and Silpakorn University signed in June 2013. The MoU was renewed in April 2023 and is valid till December 2024.

In addition to the Sanskrit Chair, ICCR and Thammasat University also signed an MoU in 2013 for the establishment of the ICCR Hindi Chair at Pridi Banomyong International College (PBIC), Thammasat University (valid till April 2025) and an MoU for the establishment of a Chair of Indian Studies at Chiang Mai University in 2018.

In the 80th episode of the monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the teaching of Sanskrit in Thailand and other countries. He emphasized the important role that Sanskrit has played in forging cultural ties between India and Thailand. He also mentioned two Thai Sanskrit scholars, Dr. Chirapat Prapandvidya and Dr. Kusuma Raksamani, who have worked towards popularizing Sanskrit in Thailand.

India's bilateral ties with Thailand are historically rooted, marked by robust social and cultural connections and extensive people-to-people contacts. Hinduism left its imprint on Thai architecture, art, sculpture, dance, drama, and literature. Pali and Sanskrit features also characterize Thai language.