India and Thailand Join Forces in Thailand for MAITREE-XV Military Exercise

The Indian Army has joined its Thai counterpart for the 15th edition of Exercise MAITREE, a bilateral military exercise designed to deepen cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two countries.The exercise, MAITREE-XV 2026, is being conducted from August 18 to 31 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand. The name itself captures the spirit of the exercise. MAITREE means “friendship”, reflecting the longstanding defence partnership between India and Thailand.Training for Challenging TerrainThe exercise focuses on strengthening the combined capabilities of both armies to conduct joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in jungle and semi-urban environments.The training is being conducted at the company level and is designed to sharpen coordination in complex operational situations. The programme includes field exercises, combat discussions, lectures and demonstrations, culminating in a validation exercise that will test the skills and coordination developed during the training.The troops will also exchange operational experiences and share knowledge about contemporary equipment and technologies used during joint operations.85 Soldiers From Each SideThe Indian Army and Royal Thai Army have deployed 85 personnel each for the exercise.The Indian contingent is represented primarily by troops from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Royal Thai Army contingent includes personnel from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division. Beyond tactical training, the exercise provides an opportunity for the soldiers of both nations to understand each other’s operational practices and build stronger professional bonds.From TICAFE to MAITREEThe bilateral exercise has a history stretching back nearly two decades. Instituted in 2006, it was initially known as the Thai-Indian Cooperation Field Exercise (TICAFE). The exercise was renamed MAITREE, meaning friendship, in 2013.Hosted alternately by India and Thailand, the exercise has evolved into an important platform for exchanging operational knowledge, improving interoperability and strengthening defence ties. The previous edition, MAITREE-XIV, was conducted in September 2025 at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.As Indian and Thai troops train side by side in the challenging terrain of Thailand, MAITREE-XV is reinforcing a partnership that goes beyond military drills—building trust, teamwork and friendship between two nations.