Mumbai, August 18: The joint military exercise ‘Maitree-XV’ between India and Thailand commenced today, August 18. This exercise will take place at the Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand, and will continue until August 31.
‘Maitree-XV’ marks the 15th edition of the India-Thailand joint military exercises. Both the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army will participate with 85 soldiers each. The Indian contingent primarily consists of personnel from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Thai side includes troops from the 3rd Battalion of the 25th Infantry Brigade of the 5th Division.
The exercise will focus on joint training, with operations set in jungle and semi-urban environments. Activities will include field exercises, military discussions, lectures, demonstrations, and a final joint exercise. The previous edition was held in September 2025 at a foreign training center in Umroi, Meghalaya.
Initiated in 2006, the ‘Maitree’ military exercise serves as a vital platform for sharing experiences and improving military methods between the two nations. The objective is to strengthen military cooperation and enhance mutual understanding and collaboration in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.