The Indian Army contingent has departed for Thailand to participate in the 15th edition of the India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise, MAITREE-XV (2026), scheduled from 18–31 August 2026.
Key Facts
- Exercise: MAITREE-XV 2026
- Participants: Indian Army & Royal Thai Army
- Venue: Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani, Thailand
- Dates: 18–31 August 2026
- Strength: 85 personnel from each army
- Indian contingent: Primarily troops from 9 Gorkha Rifles
- Thai contingent: 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division
- Focus: Joint operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain
- Objective: Improve interoperability and capabilities for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter
- Activities: Field exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and a final validation exercise
- Started: Exercise MAITREE was instituted in 2006
The exercise will promote military cooperation, interoperability, operational experience-sharing and camaraderie between the Indian and Royal Thai armies, further strengthening bilateral defence ties.
