New Delhi, 17 August (H.S.): An Indian Army contingent departed for Thailand on Monday to participate in the 15th edition of the India-Thailand joint military exercise ‘Maitree’. The exercise is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces of both countries to conduct joint operations against insurgency and terrorism in jungle and urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise will be conducted from August 18 to 31 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand. The previous edition of the exercise was held in Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.
The Indian Army and Royal Thai Army contingents comprise 85 personnel each. The Indian contingent primarily consists of personnel from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Thai contingent comprises troops from the 3rd Battalion of the 25th Infantry Brigade of the 5th Division.
The exercise will feature company-level joint training focused on operations in jungle and semi-urban environments. The training programme will include field exercises, combat-related discussions, lectures, demonstrations and a concluding validation exercise.
Exercise Maitree is aimed at strengthening military cooperation between India and Thailand. During the exercise, the participating contingents will also exchange operational experiences and demonstrate modern equipment and technologies used in joint operations.
Launched in 2006, Exercise Maitree serves as an important platform for strengthening military cooperation between India and Thailand and facilitating the exchange of best practices. The exercise enhances interoperability, mutual understanding and goodwill between the two armed forces, thereby further strengthening the long-standing bilateral ties between the two countries.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
