India and Thailand’s armies have begun a joint military exercise in Meghalaya, with an emphasis on counter-terrorism operations and improving bilateral defence collaboration. This year marks the 14th edition of the exercise, known as ‘Maitree,’ which takes place at the Joint Training Node in Umroi. It will run from September 1 to September 14.
According to the defence ministry, the exercise is intended to train troops in company-level counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain, as conducted by Chapter VII of the UN Charter. A formal opening ceremony marked the beginning of the drills, attended by contingents from both countries.
The Indian Army has deployed 120 soldiers from the Madras Regiment, while the Royal Thai Army has 53 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Battalion of the 14th Infantry Brigade. The combined training consists of collaborative planning, tactical manoeuvres, specific weapon skills, endurance-building exercises, and raiding operations.
The training will conclude with a rigorous 48-hour validation exercise that replicates realistic operational scenarios, allowing troops to implement methods learnt during the fortnight. Exercise Maitree, which began in 2006 as part of an annual exchange program, continues to improve interoperability and expand the strategic alliance between the Indian and Thai forces.
