Indian Army Engages in Joint Military Exercise with Thailand

The Indian Army has sent a contingent to Thailand for the 15th edition of the MAITREE-XV military exercise, aimed at enhancing defense cooperation between India and Thailand. Scheduled from August 18 to 31, the exercise will focus on joint operations in challenging terrains, including jungle and semi-urban environments. With both armies participating with 85 personnel each, the exercise will include various training activities and culminate in a validation exercise to assess operational capabilities. This initiative continues to strengthen the longstanding defense relationship between the two nations, fostering mutual understanding and interoperability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 17, 2026, 14:17 IST

Indian Army Heads to Thailand for MAITREE-XV

Photo: @ians_india/X

New Delhi, Aug 17: On Monday, a contingent from the Indian Army departed for Thailand to take part in the 15th iteration of the India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise, known as MAITREE-XV. This event is scheduled to occur from August 18 to 31 at the Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp located in Surat Thani.

The primary goal of this bilateral military exercise is to bolster defense collaboration between India and Thailand, while also improving the two armies' capabilities to conduct joint operations in challenging environments.

Each participating contingent will consist of 85 personnel, with the Indian side primarily represented by troops from the 9 Gorkha Rifles. The Royal Thai Army will send personnel from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.

This exercise will emphasize company-level joint training focused on operations in jungle and semi-urban terrains. The training aims to enhance the combined capabilities of both forces in executing joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in these environments, in accordance with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

Training activities will encompass a variety of exercises, including field drills, combat discussions, lectures, and demonstrations. Additionally, both contingents will engage in a validation exercise to evaluate the operational skills developed during the training.

As part of the exercise, soldiers from both nations will share operational experiences and best practices. They will also display modern equipment and technologies utilized in joint operations, allowing both armies to gain insights into each other's operational procedures and capabilities.

The last edition of Exercise MAITREE took place at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.

Established in 2006, Exercise MAITREE has become a vital platform for enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between India and Thailand. It offers personnel from both armies the chance to train together, exchange operational knowledge, and foster a deeper understanding of each other's procedures.

The upcoming edition is anticipated to further strengthen mutual understanding, interoperability, and camaraderie between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army, thereby contributing to the enduring defense and strategic relationship between the two nations.

Through consistent bilateral military engagements like MAITREE, India and Thailand continue to deepen their defense cooperation and enhance their collaborative capabilities in joint operational scenarios.