In this paper, we summarize the research progress on the influence of the thermal conditions of the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian Ocean on the South Asian monsoon, water vapor transport, and regional climate. This review focuses on the linkage between the thermal conditions of the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian Ocean and Tibetan Plateau-Indian Ocean thermal differences with the important climate indicators including monsoon activity, water vapor transport, and so on. Moreover, the climate prediction indicators and methods for the Indian Ocean and the Plateau at sub-seasonal and seasonal time scales are proposed based on the above aspects. It is expected that this review will be beneficial for understanding the impact of thermal conditions on climate in the Tibetan Plateau and Indian Ocean region and improving the capability of regional climate prediction.