Exercise MAITREE-XV with Thai Army in full swing, says Indian Army

Kolkata, Aug 28 (IANS) The ongoing Exercise MAITREE-XV between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army has several modern components, such as operations under UAV support and the use of Information Technology (IT) in modern warfare.

The Indian Army’s Eastern Command said on Thursday that the exercise is in full swing in Thailand.

“Indian Army and Royal Thai Army troops are honing joint combat skills through tactical drills, UAV-supported operations, counter-IED training and martial-arts exchanges. Building interoperability, trust and camaraderie,” the Command said on social media platform X.

Defence ties between India and Thailand date back several years. Such exercises allow troops to learn and pick up skills from each other, while allowing them to operate in unknown terrain.

The Indian Army contingent departed for Thailand on August 17 to participate in the 15th edition of Exercise MAITREE.

The extremely grueling exercise commenced from August 18 and will continue till August 31, at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Thailand’s Surat Thani.

The 14th edition of the exercise was conducted at Foreign Training Node in Umroi of Meghalaya in September 2025.

This year, the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army contingents comprise 85 personnel each.

The Indian Army contingent is represented primarily by troops from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Royal Thai Army contingent comprises personnel from the 3rd Battalion of 25th Infantry Brigade’s 5th Division.

The exercise involves company-level joint training focused on operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain.

“The idea is for both sides to pick up best practices while developing new techniques to combat challenges faced. The larger goal is interoperability that helps during international operations, such as peace keeping missions under the UN charter,” an official said.

The exercise will enhance combined capabilities in executing joint Counter Insurgency/Terrorist (CI/CT) Operations in Jungle and semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

The troops are undergoing field exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and there will be a culminating validation exercise.

The contingents will also exchange operational experience and showcase contemporary equipment and technologies employed during joint operations.

“Instituted in 2006, Exercise MAITREE is an important platform for sharing best practices and strengthening military cooperation between India and Thailand. The exercise will enhance interoperability, mutual understanding and camaraderie between the two Armies, further reinforcing the longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations,” a statement by the Ministry of Defence has said.

Just like India, Thailand faces threats from insurgents.

There have repeated and co-ordinated strikes against military and civilian targets to the south of the country, bordering Malaysia.

The insurgents have struck over the last few days, injuring civilians and damaging property.

–IANS

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