Why in News?
An 85-member Indian Army contingent has left for Thailand to take part in the 15th edition of Exercise MAITREE-XV. The exercise is being held from 18 to 31 August 2026 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand.
Key Points
- The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
- India and Thailand will deploy 85 soldiers each for the exercise.
- The Indian contingent mainly includes personnel from the 9 Gorkha Rifles.
- The Thai contingent consists of troops from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade and 5th Division.
- The troops will train for operations in jungle and suburban areas.
- The exercise will include field training, lectures, combat discussions and tactical demonstrations.
- A final joint exercise will be conducted to test the operational skills and coordination of both forces.
About Exercise MAITREE
- The exercise was started in 2006 as the Thai-Indian Cooperation Field Exercise (TICAFE). It was renamed MAITREE in 2013. The word Maitree means friendship.
- India and Thailand host the exercise alternately.
- The exercise is aimed at improving coordination, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two armies.
- It also provides an opportunity for both sides to train together for counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and peacekeeping operations.
- The 13th edition was held in Thailand in 2024, while the 14th edition was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya, in 2025.
- The 15th edition marks 20 years of the exercise, highlighting the growing defence cooperation between India and Thailand.
