New Delhi, Aug 2026 : An Indian Army contingent departed for Thailand on Monday to participate in the 15th edition of the India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV, aimed at further strengthening defence cooperation and enhancing interoperability between the two countries’ armed forces.
The bilateral exercise is scheduled to be held from August 18 to 31 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand. The exercise will provide soldiers from the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army an opportunity to train together and develop their ability to conduct joint operations in challenging operational environments.
Both contingents will comprise 85 personnel each. The Indian contingent will primarily consist of troops from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Royal Thai Army will be represented by personnel from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.
MAITREE-XV will focus on company-level joint training for operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain. The training programme is designed to strengthen the combined capabilities of the two forces for conducting joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in difficult environments.
The exercise will be conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with emphasis on coordinated operational planning, tactical drills and joint responses to security challenges.
A range of activities have been planned during the two-week exercise, including field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures and demonstrations. The participating soldiers will also undertake a culminating validation exercise designed to assess the operational capabilities and coordination developed during the training.
The exercise will provide an important platform for personnel from both armies to exchange operational experiences and share best practices. Soldiers will gain insights into each other’s tactics, procedures and approaches to operating in jungle and semi-urban environments.
The contingents will also showcase contemporary equipment and technologies employed during joint operations. Such interactions are expected to enhance mutual understanding of the operational capabilities and procedures followed by the two forces, while helping participants identify areas for greater interoperability.
Exercise MAITREE has evolved into an important component of the defence relationship between India and Thailand. Instituted in 2006, the bilateral exercise provides the armed forces of both countries with regular opportunities to train together, exchange professional knowledge and strengthen mutual confidence.
The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in September 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. The latest edition in Thailand will build upon the operational experience gained during earlier iterations while expanding cooperation between the two armies.
Beyond military training, MAITREE also contributes to strengthening the longstanding strategic and defence relationship between India and Thailand. Regular interactions between personnel help develop familiarity with each other’s operational procedures and foster greater camaraderie at the tactical level.
The 15th edition is expected to further enhance mutual understanding, interoperability and joint operational capabilities between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army. By conducting realistic training in challenging terrain and focusing on coordinated responses to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism scenarios, the exercise will help both forces improve their preparedness for joint missions.
Through sustained bilateral military engagements such as MAITREE, India and Thailand continue to deepen defence cooperation and reinforce their commitment to working together in areas of shared strategic interest. The exercise is expected to further consolidate military-to-military ties and contribute to the broader India-Thailand partnership.
