Exercise MAITREE-XIV
The 14th edition of Exercise MAITREE commenced on 1 September 2025 at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. This bilateral military exercise between India and Thailand runs until 14 September 2025. It aims to enhance cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army. The exercise reflects growing defence collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
Background
Exercise MAITREE began in 2006 as a key military-to-military exchange programme. It promotes joint tactical capabilities and trust. The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism and regional security challenges. Both nations share a commitment to peace, stability and security in South and Southeast Asia.
Participating Forces
India is represented by a battalion of the Madras Regiment with 120 personnel. The Madras Regiment is known for expertise in counter-insurgency and jungle warfare. Thailand contributes 53 personnel from the 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade. This unit specialises in light infantry tactics and internal security.
Training Focus and Activities
The exercise centres on company-level counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain. It is conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, allowing collective action to maintain peace. Key activities include joint tactical drills, weapons handling, planning counter-insurgency operations, physical fitness training and raiding exercises. The exercise concludes with a 48-hour validation exercise simulating realistic operational scenarios.
Strategic Importance
Exercise MAITREE strengthens India-Thailand defence ties amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific. It enhances operational interoperability and readiness against evolving threats. The rotational format alternates the venue between the two countries. The previous edition was held in 2023 at Fort Vachiraprakan, Thailand. This continuity underlines the sustained bilateral defence cooperation.
Regional Security and Defence Cooperation
The exercise contributes to broader regional peace and security frameworks. It supports collaborative defence readiness against terrorism and non-traditional security threats. India and Thailand’s partnership is crucial for stability in the Indo-Pacific corridor. Exercise MAITREE exemplifies growing military diplomacy and strategic engagement in the region.
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