India–Thailand Defence Ties: MAITREE Exercise 2026

 India Thailand Strengthen Defence Cooperation Through MAITREE Exercise

Why in the News ?

The Indian Army has departed for Thailand to participate in the 15th India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026). The exercise focuses on enhancing joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism capabilities, interoperability and operational cooperation in jungle and semi-urban environments.

MAITREE-XV: Key Features and Objectives

•     Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026) is the 15th edition of the India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise.
•     The exercise is being conducted in Thailand and will conclude on 31 August 2026.
•     Its primary objective is to strengthen military cooperation and interoperability between the two countries.
•     Training will focus on conducting joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in:

○      Jungle terrain

○      Semi-urban environments

•     The exercise will be conducted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with actions concerning threats to international peace and security.
•     Activities will include field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and a final validation exercise.

Forces Participating and Operational Cooperation

•     The exercise involves 85 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.
•     The Indian contingent is primarily represented by personnel from the 9 Gorkha Rifles.
•     The Royal Thai Army contingent comprises troops from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.
•     Training will be conducted at the company level, enabling troops to practise coordinated operations in challenging environments.
•     Both sides will exchange operational experiences, tactical knowledge and best practices.
•     The exercise will also provide opportunities to demonstrate and familiarise troops with contemporary military equipment and technologies.
•     The previous edition was conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.

About India-Thailand Defence Relations:

•     India and Thailand share longstanding relations based on geographical proximity, maritime interests, cultural connections and growing economic ties.
•     Defence cooperation includes:

○      Joint military exercises

○      Training and capacity building

○      Defence exchanges

○      Maritime security cooperation

○      Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

•     Exercises such as MAITREE enhance the ability of both armies to undertake coordinated operations and respond to common security challenges.
•     Cooperation is particularly important for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
•     India’s engagement with Thailand also strengthens its Act East Policy and wider Indo-Pacific outreach.