IN SHORT
- Joint military exercise Maitree between Indian and Royal Thai Armies.
- Held from July 1 to 15, 2024, at Fort Vachiraprakan, Tak Province, Thailand.
- Last exercise conducted in September 2019 in Umroi, Meghalaya.
- 76 personnel from both armies participating.
- Focus on counter-insurgency, joint planning, and tactical drills.
At Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand, the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army have started their joint military exercise, Maitree. This exercise, which is scheduled to take place from July 1 to July 15, 2024, is an important move in the defense cooperation between the two countries. From September 16 to September 29, 2019, the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, hosted the last Maitree exercise.
History and Significance
The Maitree exercise, which began in 2006, is a sign of the close military relations that exist between Thailand and India. The frequency with which this exercise is conducted shows both countries’ commitment to improving their operational and defense cooperation.
Participants
76 soldiers from the Indian Army’s Ladakh Scouts and other divisions are taking part in this year’s drill. In the same spirit, 76 soldiers, mostly from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of the 4th Division, represent the Royal Thai Army.
Objectives of the Maitree Exercise
The Maitree exercise’s main goal is to consolidate India and Thailand’s military cooperation. It focuses on strengthening both forces’ operational capabilities in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, especially in urban and forest settings. Important facets of the activity consist of:
- Coordinated planning and combat exercises
- Improvement of physical fitness
- Creation of intelligence and joint operation centers
- Using drones and counter-drone technologies
- Protecting landing areas and carrying out unique heliborne activities
- Search and cordon activities
India-Thailand Defence Ties
India and Thailand, two neighboring nations in the Andaman Sea, have a friendly and peaceful relationship. Regular bilateral military exercises are made possible by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defense Cooperation that the two countries signed in 2012.
Naval Exercise: Ex-Ayutthaya
“Ex-Ayutthaya,” the first-ever bilateral naval exercise between the Royal Thai Navy and the Indian Navy, took place in December 2023. The word “Ayutthaya” means “invincible one” and is significant to Indian and Thai culture.
India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT)
December 2023 saw the 36th edition of the bilateral India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol, or Indo-Thai CORPAT. The exercise started in 2005 and features both countries’ marine patrol aircraft.
Air Force Exercise: Ex-SIAM BHARAT
To further improve its military connections, the Indian Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force participate in a joint exercise known as Ex-SIAM BHARAT.
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