Indian and Thai troops will conduct joint training in jungle and semi-urban terrain during the two-week MAITREE-XV exercise…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India and Thailand have begun the 15th edition of their joint military exercise MAITREE-XV, aimed at strengthening interoperability and coordination between the two armies. The exercise will focus on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain.
The Indian Army contingent departed for Thailand on Monday for the exercise, which will be conducted from August 18 to 31 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, the Ministry of Defence said.
A total of 85 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army will take part in the company-level exercise. The Indian contingent comprises primarily troops from 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Royal Thai Army contingent includes personnel from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Exercise MAITREE-XV aims to “foster Military Cooperation between India and Thailand” and enhance the combined capabilities of the two armies to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in challenging jungle and semi-urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The exercise will feature a range of joint activities, including field exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and a culminating validation exercise. The participating troops will also exchange operational experiences and showcase contemporary equipment and technologies used during joint operations.
The Ministry said the exercise is expected to “enhance interoperability, mutual understanding and camaraderie between the two Armies”, while further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between India and Thailand.
Instituted in 2006, Exercise MAITREE has become an important platform for the two countries to share military best practices and deepen defence cooperation. The latest edition follows MAITREE-XIV, which was conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.
The previous exercise focused on improving interoperability and familiarising troops with each other’s operational procedures and combat drills. Both contingents participated jointly in tactical drills and operational discussions conducted under a United Nations mandate.
MAITREE-XIV culminated in a 48-hour validation exercise involving the establishment of a Temporary Operating Base, creation of an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance grid, isolation of a village, heliborne operations, a raid and a hostage rescue operation. The exercise also featured the display and active use of new-generation equipment by both armies.
The closing ceremony in September 2025 also highlighted the cultural and military traditions of both countries, with programmes showcasing their shared exchanges and heritage. Outstanding soldiers were felicitated, while troops from both sides shared combat experiences and best practices.
The Ministry said MAITREE-XV will provide another opportunity for the Indian and Thai armies to strengthen joint operational capabilities and coordination through simulated operations in difficult terrain.
