India and Thailand have commenced the 15th edition of their joint military exercise, Maitree-XV, being held from August 18 to 31, 2026, at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand. The exercise involves 85 personnel each from the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army. The Indian contingent comprises soldiers from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while Thailand is represented by troops from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade. The key objective is to strengthen military coordination and enhance joint capabilities for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in jungle and semi-urban environments.
The training includes jungle survival techniques, first aid, casualty evacuation, trench-clearing drills and the use of drones or UAVs during joint operations. Indian troops are also receiving training in Muay Thai, Thailand’s traditional martial art, aimed at improving fitness, agility and close-combat skills while promoting cultural understanding between the two forces. The exercise will conclude with a validation exercise following the joint training phase, further strengthening interoperability, operational coordination and defence cooperation between India and Thailand under the framework of UN Chapter VII.
