Kolkata, Aug 2026 : Indian Army and Royal Thai Army troops are sharpening their joint combat capabilities through advanced tactical drills, UAV-supported operations, counter-IED training and other modern warfare techniques as Exercise MAITREE-XV enters its final phase in Thailand.
The bilateral military exercise, which began on August 18, is being conducted at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani and will continue until August 31. The Indian Army contingent had arrived in Thailand on August 17 for the 15th edition of the exercise, which focuses on strengthening interoperability and preparing troops to operate together in challenging environments.
The Indian Army's Eastern Command said the exercise is progressing at full pace, with troops from both sides participating in a range of demanding operational activities. “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,” the Command said in a social media post.
The exercise reflects the growing defence cooperation between India and Thailand and provides soldiers from both countries an opportunity to exchange operational experience and learn from each other's tactics. Training in unfamiliar terrain is also aimed at improving the ability of troops to adapt quickly and coordinate effectively during multinational missions.
This year's exercise involves 85 personnel from each army. The Indian contingent is primarily drawn from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Royal Thai Army is represented by troops from the 3rd Battalion of the 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.
The training is being conducted at the company level, with a particular emphasis on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in jungle and semi-urban environments. The exercise also incorporates modern technologies and battlefield concepts, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance and operational support.
According to officials, the training is designed to allow both contingents to identify and adopt best practices while developing new techniques to deal with evolving security challenges. A key objective is to establish a high degree of interoperability, which can prove particularly valuable when the two countries' troops participate in international peacekeeping or other multinational operations under the United Nations framework.
The troops are undertaking field training exercises, tactical discussions, lectures and demonstrations as part of the programme. A final validation exercise will test the capabilities and coordination developed during the training period.
The contingents are also exchanging information on operational experiences and showcasing contemporary weapons, equipment and technologies used in modern military operations. Such exchanges are expected to enhance mutual understanding and familiarize troops with different approaches to battlefield challenges.
Exercise MAITREE was instituted in 2006 and has since developed into an important platform for strengthening military cooperation between India and Thailand. The Ministry of Defence has described the exercise as a mechanism for improving interoperability, mutual understanding and camaraderie between the two armies while reinforcing the longstanding bilateral relationship between the countries.
The previous edition, MAITREE-XIV, was conducted in September 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. Hosting the exercise alternately in India and Thailand gives troops from both sides exposure to different geographical and operational environments.
The focus on counter-insurgency operations also carries particular relevance for Thailand, which has faced a long-running insurgency in its southern provinces bordering Malaysia. The region has witnessed repeated attacks targeting military and civilian establishments, with recent incidents causing injuries and damage to property.
For India, the experience of operating in difficult jungle terrain and conducting counter-insurgency missions is equally significant, given the operational expertise developed by its armed forces over decades.
The inclusion of UAV operations, counter-IED techniques and information technology alongside conventional field training reflects the changing nature of modern warfare. Militaries increasingly rely on technology for surveillance, intelligence gathering, situational awareness and precision operations, making familiarity with such systems essential for troops expected to operate jointly.
Exercise MAITREE-XV therefore goes beyond routine military drills. By combining battlefield training with technology, operational exchanges and cultural interaction, the exercise seeks to build a stronger foundation for cooperation between the Indian and Royal Thai armies.
As the exercise approaches its concluding validation phase, the participating troops are expected to demonstrate the skills developed during the two-week programme. The exercise is aimed not only at enhancing combat preparedness but also at strengthening trust and coordination between the two partner forces, further deepening India's defence engagement with Thailand.
