🇮🇳🇹🇭 Indian Army Contingent Departs for Thailand for Exercise MAITREE-XV
New Delhi, August 17: An Indian Army contingent departed for Thailand today to participate in the 15th edition of the India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026), strengthening military cooperation and interoperability between the two countries.
The exercise will be conducted from August 18 to 31, 2026, at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand.
85 Soldiers From Each Army
The exercise will bring together 85 personnel each from the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army.
The Indian contingent is primarily represented by troops from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Royal Thai Army contingent comprises personnel from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.
The training will focus on company-level joint operations, particularly in challenging jungle and semi-urban environments.
🎯 Focus on Counter-Insurgency & Counter-Terrorism Operations
Exercise MAITREE-XV is designed to enhance the ability of both armies to conduct joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in accordance with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The training programme will include:
- Joint field training exercises
- Combat discussions
- Professional military lectures
- Tactical demonstrations
- Exchange of operational experiences
- Equipment and technology demonstrations
- A final validation exercise
The training will allow troops from both sides to understand each other’s operational procedures and strengthen their ability to work together in complex environments.
🌴 Jungle & Semi-Urban Warfare Training
A major focus of the exercise will be operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain, requiring troops to adapt to difficult environments and rapidly changing tactical situations.
Personnel will exchange lessons and best practices from their respective operational experiences while gaining familiarity with contemporary equipment and technologies used during joint missions.
🤝 Strengthening India–Thailand Defence Cooperation
Exercise MAITREE was instituted in 2006 and has become an important platform for strengthening defence cooperation between India and Thailand.
The previous edition was conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.
Over the years, the exercise has provided both armies with opportunities to develop interoperability, mutual understanding and professional camaraderie.
🇮🇳🇹🇭 Building Stronger Military Partnerships
The latest edition comes as India and Thailand continue to deepen their defence and strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
By conducting realistic joint training and exchanging operational expertise, MAITREE-XV is expected to further enhance the two armies’ ability to operate together while strengthening the longstanding friendship between India and Thailand.
Exercise MAITREE-XV will run from August 18 to 31 in Thailand, reinforcing the shared commitment of both nations towards stronger military cooperation, regional security and operational readiness.