The Indian Army contingent has departed for Thailand today to participate in the 15th edition of the India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026). The exercise, commencing tomorrow, will conclude on the 31st of this month.

 

The  Defence Ministry said that the aim of Exercise MAITREE is to foster Military Cooperation between India and Thailand. The Exercise will enhance combined capabilities in executing Joint Counter Insurgency/ Terrorist Operations in Jungle and semi-urban environments under Chapter 7 of United Nations Charter. The training will include field exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and a culminating validation exercise. The contingents will also exchange operational experience and showcase contemporary equipment and technologies employed during joint operations. 

 

The Ministry also said that the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army contingents comprise 85 personnel each. The Indian Army contingent is represented primarily by troops from 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Royal Thai Army contingent comprises personnel from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division. The exercise will involve company-level joint training focused on operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain. The Last edition of the same exercise was conducted at Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya in September last year.