The Indian Army contingent has departed for Thailand to participate in the 15th edition of the India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026). The bilateral military exercise is scheduled to be held from 18 to 31 August 2026 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand.
The previous edition of Exercise MAITREE was conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.
85 Personnel From Each Army to Participate
The Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army will each field a contingent of 85 personnel for the exercise.
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.
During MAITREE-XV, the two contingents will undertake company-level joint training with a particular focus on conducting operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain.
Strengthening India-Thailand Military Cooperation
The primary objective of Exercise MAITREE is to foster and strengthen military cooperation between India and Thailand. The exercise is designed to enhance the combined capabilities of the two armies in conducting joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in jungle and semi-urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The training programme will include a range of activities such as field exercises, combat discussions, lectures and demonstrations, followed by a culminating validation exercise.
Personnel from both armies will also exchange operational experiences and showcase contemporary equipment and technologies employed during joint military operations. These interactions are expected to provide opportunities for both sides to learn from each other's operational practices and further strengthen coordination in complex environments.
Exercise MAITREE: Building Interoperability Since 2006
Instituted in 2006, Exercise MAITREE has emerged as an important platform for the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army to exchange best practices and deepen bilateral military cooperation.
Over the years, the exercise has contributed to enhancing interoperability, mutual understanding and camaraderie between personnel of the two armed forces.
The 15th edition of Exercise MAITREE is expected to further strengthen the ability of the Indian and Thai armies to operate together while reinforcing the longstanding defence partnership and broader bilateral relations between India and Thailand.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India