India and Thailand begin MAITREE-XV joint military exercise

The Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army have commenced the 15th edition of the MAITREE joint military exercise. An Indian contingent departed on August 17 to participate in the drills, which are scheduled to take place from August 18 to 31 at the Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand.

Each army is fielding 85 personnel. The Indian contingent primarily consists of troops from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Thai contingent includes personnel from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division. The company-level exercise focuses on joint operations within jungle and semi-urban terrains.

Key training objectives include counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The program features field exercises, combat discussions, lectures, and demonstrations, concluding with a validation exercise. The initiative, established in 2006, aims to enhance interoperability, exchange operational experiences, and deepen defense cooperation between the two nations.