The 14th edition of the India-Thailand joint military exercise, Maitree, concluded in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district on Sunday, with both armies strengthening interoperability and familiarising themselves with each other’s operational procedures and combat drills.
The two-week exercise, held under the United Nations mandate, ended with a 48-hour validation phase in which contingents carried out complex tasks.
These included setting up a temporary operating base, establishing an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) grid, isolating a village, conducting heliborne operations, raids and hostage rescue missions.
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The training also featured the display and use of new-generation equipment by both the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.
Defence officials said the joint exercise provided soldiers with valuable lessons in counter-terrorism operations, peacekeeping drills, intelligence sharing and the use of modern technology on the battlefield.
The closing ceremony included the felicitation of outstanding soldiers, along with cultural programmes that showcased the rich martial and cultural traditions of both nations.
Friendly volleyball, basketball and tug-of-war matches were also organised, adding to the camaraderie between the contingents.
“The exercise was an astounding success and a significant milestone in ensuring cordial relations between the two countries. Besides promoting understanding and inter-operability between the two armies, it has further cemented the ties between India and Thailand,” a senior Indian Army officer said.
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