Exercise Maitree 2026: 170 Troops to Train in Joint Counter-Terror Operations

The Indian Army and Royal Thai Army will participate in the 15th edition of their bilateral military exercise, Exercise Maitree, from August 18 to August 31 in Thailand, with a focus on strengthening joint capabilities for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

The Indian Army contingent departed for Thailand on Monday to participate in the exercise, which will be conducted at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani. The exercise is aimed at enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between the two countries.

According to the Defence Ministry, both the Indian and Thai contingents comprise 85 personnel each. 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.

The exercise will feature company-level joint training focused on operations in jungle and semi-urban environments. The training programme will include field exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and a culminating validation exercise designed to assess the troops’ operational preparedness.

The Defence Ministry said the exercise will enhance the two armies’ combined capabilities to conduct joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

The participating troops will also exchange operational experiences and share best practices, while showcasing contemporary equipment and technologies used during joint operations.

The previous edition of Exercise Maitree was conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.

Instituted in 2006, Exercise Maitree has emerged as an important platform for strengthening defence ties between India and Thailand. The exercise is expected to further improve interoperability, mutual understanding and camaraderie between the two forces while reinforcing the longstanding strategic and defence partnership between the two countries.