Exercise Maitree 2025: India and Thailand Begin 14th Joint Military Exercise in Meghalaya.
International
The 14th edition of Exercise Maitree, a bilateral joint military drill between the Indian Army (IA) and the Royal Thai Army (RTA), commenced on September 1, 2025, at the Foreign Training Node (FTN) in Umroi, Meghalaya. The exercise will continue till September 14, 2025, focusing on counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations.
- The Exercise Maitree was first initiated in 2006 and is conducted alternatively by India and Thailand. The word "Maitree" translates to "friendship" in both Sanskrit and Thai, symbolizing the long-standing cultural and strategic partnership between the two nations.
- The 13th edition was hosted in Thailand at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province.
- This year’s edition emphasizes tactical coordination in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across semi-urban and jungle terrains. The exercise also aligns with United Nations (UN) peacekeeping standards, aiming to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation while enhancing interoperability between both armies.
Main Point :- (i) Participation in Exercise Maitree 2025 includes infantry components from both sides, with each contingent consisting of around 50–76 soldiers. The drills are designed to develop joint decision-making, planning, and execution of operations while reinforcing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
(ii) Training activities in this edition include the use of modern tactics such as drone and counter-drone operations, jungle warfare manoeuvres, live firing exercises, close-quarter battle training, and mission simulations including hostage rescue, evacuation drills, and cordon-and-search operations. These drills are vital in strengthening combat readiness and coordination.
(iii) The significance of this edition is marked by the fact that India is hosting Exercise Maitree after a gap of five years, the last being in 2019. This reaffirms India’s commitment to enhancing military partnerships with ASEAN countries and reflects growing collaboration in maintaining regional peace and stability.
About Thailand
Capital: Bangkok
Currency: Thai Baht
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