Published: 31 August 2025PIBInternational
India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise Maitree-XIV Commences in Meghalaya
The 14th edition of Exercise MAITREE, a joint annual military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army, commenced at the Joint Training Node (JTN) in Umroi, Meghalaya on September 1, 2025. The exercise was scheduled to run until September 14, covering two weeks of intensive joint training.
The Indian Army contingent comprised 120 personnel from a Battalion of the Madras Regiment, while 53 personnel from the Royal Thai Army's 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade participated from the Thai side. The exercise focused on company-level counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which deals with actions with respect to threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression.
Exercise MAITREE was instituted in 2006 and is one of the important bilateral joint training exercises between India and Thailand. The exercise is held alternately in India and Thailand each year, aimed at enhancing cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the two armies. The 2025 edition included training modules on intelligence sharing, joint tactical operations, urban warfare drills, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) coordination.
The exercise strengthens the broader India-Thailand defence relationship, which includes maritime engagements such as SITMEX and other defence exchanges under the Act East Policy framework.
0Mains angle
Q: Discuss how Exercise Maitree-XIV at Umroi, Meghalaya strengthens India–Thailand defence cooperation within the Act East Policy framework.
Answer (50 words):
Between 1 and 14 September 2025, 120 Madras Regiment troops trained with 53 soldiers of the Royal Thai Army's 1st Infantry Battalion in company-level counter-terror operations under UN Charter Chapter VII. Instituted in 2006, the alternating bilateral drill now covers intelligence sharing, urban warfare and humanitarian disaster response coordination.
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Linked questionMedium
Exercise MAITREE-XIV, a joint military exercise between India and Thailand, was held at which location?
Explanation · Correct answer BThe 14th edition of the India-Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE-XIV commenced at the Joint Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, on 1 September 2025. The exercise was conducted from 1 to 14 September 2025 to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.
Frequently asked questions
What is Exercise Maitree and where was the 14th edition conducted?
**Exercise Maitree** is a bilateral military exercise between **India and Thailand**. The **14th edition (Maitree-XIV)** was conducted in **Meghalaya, India**, focusing on company-level counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain.
What is the frequency and objective of India-Thailand Exercise Maitree?
**Exercise Maitree** is held **annually** between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army. Its objectives include enhancing **interoperability**, sharing best practices in **counter-insurgency and jungle warfare**, and strengthening bilateral defence ties between India and Thailand.
Which Indian state hosted Exercise Maitree-XIV and why is Meghalaya significant for such exercises?
**Meghalaya** hosted Exercise Maitree-XIV. The state is significant for jungle warfare exercises due to its **dense forest terrain** similar to Southeast Asian conditions, making it ideal for counter-insurgency and jungle warfare training.
What is India's strategic interest in military exercises with ASEAN countries like Thailand?
India's military exercises with **ASEAN nations** including Thailand reflect India's **Act East Policy**, which aims to strengthen strategic, defence, and economic partnerships with Southeast Asian countries to counter China's influence and enhance maritime security.
What are other significant bilateral military exercises India conducts with neighbouring and partner countries?
India conducts several bilateral exercises: **Tasman Saber** (Australia), **Hand in Hand** (China, suspended), **Shakti** (France), **INDRA** (Russia), **Yudh Abhyas** (USA), **Mitra Shakti** (Sri Lanka), and **Surya Kiran** (Nepal) among others.
