Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026)

Why in News?

The Indian Army contingent has departed for Surat Thani, Thailand, to participate in the 15th edition of India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026).

About Exercise MAITREE

Exercise MAITREE is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army. It aims to strengthen military cooperation, interoperability, mutual trust and camaraderie between the two forces.

Evolution of the Exercise

The exercise was launched in 2006 as the Thai-Indian Cooperation Field Exercise (TICAFE) and was renamed MAITREE, meaning “Friendship”, in 2013. It is conducted alternately in India and Thailand. After a five-year gap following 2019, the exercise resumed in 2024.

Participation

The 2026 edition involves 85 personnel from each country. The Indian contingent is represented mainly by the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while Thailand is represented by the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.

Operational Focus

The company-level exercise focuses on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in jungle and semi-urban/suburban terrain. The operations are conducted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Training and Activities

The exercise includes field exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and tactical drills, culminating in a validation exercise. Both sides also undertake joint planning and tactical training to improve operational coordination.

Technology and Knowledge Exchange

The participating forces will exchange operational experiences and showcase contemporary military equipment and technologies used in joint operations. This promotes greater interoperability and coordination between the two armies.

Significance

The 2026 edition marks 20 years of Exercise MAITREE since its launch in 2006. It further strengthens the longstanding India–Thailand defence partnership and enhances the ability of both armies to conduct joint counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.