Exercise MAITREE-XV: India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise

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Key takeaways

The 15th edition of Exercise MAITREE-XV is taking place at Surat Thani in Thailand with an 85-member contingent from the Indian Army.
First started in 2006, this annual bilateral exercise alternates between India and Thailand to enhance tactical capabilities in counter-terror operations.
The joint military training operates under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, focusing on jungle and semi-urban warfare drills.

An 85-personnel Indian Army contingent from the 9 Gorkha Rifles has left for Thailand to take part in Exercise MAITREE-XV.

Exercise MAITREE is an annual joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army to boost tactical cooperation and operational skills.
The 15th edition is being hosted at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand, with 85 personnel participating from each side.
This exercise aims to strengthen military ties and build joint strength for counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

The training focuses on company-level tactical drills, room intervention, raid tactics, and counter-terror operations in dense jungle and semi-urban environments.
Operations are aligned with the United Nations Chapter VII framework to help both armies create common standard operating procedures.
Started in 2006, this exercise alternates every year between India and Thailand, with the 14th edition held in Umroi, Meghalaya in September 2025.
Soldiers participate in tactical demonstrations, equipment sharing, combat discussions, and a final validation exercise to adopt modern warfare technologies.

It strengthens defence ties with Thailand, which is an important ASEAN partner for India's regional security goals.
It improves mutual coordination and operational readiness to respond effectively to terrorism, peacekeeping duties, and regional security risks.