MAITREE-XIV: Indian, Royal Thai Army Begin Joint Military Exercise – What Activities Will Soldiers Partake In?
The bilateral exercise is part of the ongoing military-to-military exchange programme between the two countries (Image courtesy: PIB)
The 14th edition of Exercise MAITREE, a flagship joint military drill between India and Thailand, began on Monday with a ceremonial opening at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. Scheduled from September 1 to 14, 2025, the exercise brings together contingents from both armies for two weeks of intense training in counter-terrorism operations.
The Indian Army has fielded 120 soldiers from a Battalion of the Madras Regiment, while the Royal Thai Army is represented by 53 personnel from the 1st Infantry Battalion of the 14th Infantry Brigade. The previous edition of the exercise took place in Tak Province, Thailand, in 2023.
Indian and Thai Army’s joint military drill MAITREE underscores the alternating nature of this bilateral engagement.
Exercise MAITREE-XIV: What will the joint drills focus on?
This year’s edition focuses on company-level counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain, conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which allows for action in the face of threats to peace. Over the two weeks, Indian and Thai troops will practice tactical drills, special arms handling, joint planning, physical fitness regimes, and raiding operations.
Exercise MAITREE-XIV will culminate in a 48-hour validation drill, designed to simulate real-life battlefield conditions.
Why does it matter for India and Thailand?
Launched in 2006, Exercise MAITREE has become a cornerstone of India-Thailand defence ties. Both the Asian nations share strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific, which faces constant threats from terrorism, insurgencies, and grey-zone warfare. For India, training with key ASEAN partner Thailand strengthens its Act East Policy.
These drills also reinforce security partnerships in Southeast Asia. For Thailand, collaboration with India offers exposure to high-altitude, jungle, and semi-urban counter-insurgency tactics that align with its own internal security needs.
Beyond the training, the exercise signals a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, where China’s growing assertiveness has made regional security cooperation more crucial than ever. Joint drills like MAITREE-XIV enhance interoperability, further acting as strategic reassurance.
