indian-army-departs-for-maitree-exercise-in-thailand

The Indian Army contingent has set off for the 13th edition of the India-Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE, scheduled from July 1-15 at Fort Vachira Prakan in Thailand's Tak Province, announced the Defence Ministry on Tuesday. Previously, the exercise was held in Umroi, Meghalaya in September 2019.

 

Comprising 76 personnel, the Indian Army contingent is led by a Battalion of the Ladakh Scouts, supported by personnel from various arms and services. The Royal Thailand Army contingent, also consisting of 76 personnel from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of 4 Division, will participate alongside them.

 

Exercise MAITREE aims to bolster military cooperation between India and Thailand, focusing on joint counter insurgency/terrorist operations in jungle and urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise emphasises high physical fitness, joint planning, and tactical drills.

 

Tactical exercises during MAITREE will include setting up a Joint Operation Centre, intelligence and surveillance operations, utilisation of drones and counter-drone systems, securing landing sites, small team insertions and extractions, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, and demolition of illegal structures.

 

The exercise will facilitate the exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations between the two armies. It aims to enhance interoperability, foster camaraderie, and strengthen bonds between soldiers from India and Thailand.

 

MAITREE, which means "friendship" in Thai, underscores the ongoing effort to deepen the friendship and cooperation between the armed forces of Thailand and India.

 

This annual exercise covers both air and ground forces, including medical support activities, and serves as a practical platform to hone skills necessary for addressing shared security challenges.

 

Through exercises like MAITREE, India and Thailand continue to build upon their strategic partnership, promoting regional stability and reinforcing their commitment to mutual defence cooperation.