The Indian Army has recently kicked off its joint military exercise, Maitree, with the Royal Thai Army at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand.
This exercise, running from July 1 to July 15, 2024, marks another significant step in the ongoing military cooperation between India and Thailand. The last Maitree exercise took place in September 2019 at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
About Maitree Exercise
The Maitree Exercise is a bilateral initiative that began in 2006, focusing on enhancing the operational capabilities and cooperation between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army. Over the years, this exercise has evolved, becoming a cornerstone for military collaboration between the two nations.
In this latest edition, 76 personnel from the Indian Army, including members of the Ladakh Scouts and various other divisions, are participating alongside 76 soldiers from the Royal Thai Army, mainly drawn from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of the 4 Division.
Objectives of the Maitree Exercise
The primary aim of the Maitree Exercise is to bolster mutual cooperation between India and Thailand in the defense sector. Key objectives include:
• Enhancing Military Cooperation: The exercise serves to deepen the military relationship between the two countries, allowing both armies to work closely together.
• Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism Skills: A significant focus is placed on improving skills related to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in diverse environments, such as urban and jungle settings.
• Joint Tactical Drills: Participants will engage in joint planning and conduct a variety of tactical drills aimed at improving operational readiness.
Key Activities During the Exercise
Throughout the Maitree Exercise, both armies will engage in a range of activities designed to enhance their operational capabilities:
• Joint Operations Center: Establishing a joint operation center to coordinate activities effectively.
• Intelligence and Surveillance: Creating intelligence and surveillance centers to improve situational awareness.
• Drone Operations: Employing drones and counter-drone systems, which are crucial in modern warfare.
• Special Operations: Practicing securing landing sites, inserting small teams for extractions, conducting special heliborne operations, and performing cordon and search operations.
India-Thailand Defence Ties
India and Thailand share a long-standing and cordial relationship, being maritime neighbours in the Andaman Sea. Their defense ties have strengthened significantly over the years, particularly since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defense Cooperation in 2012.
This MoU facilitates various bilateral military exercises between the two nations, enhancing their operational synergy.
Other Collaborative Exercises
• Naval Exercise – Ex-Ayutthaya: The first bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy was conducted in December 2023. Named “Ex-Ayutthaya,” this exercise symbolizes the invincible spirit shared by both nations and reinforces their maritime cooperation.
• Coordinated Patrol – Indo-Thai CORPAT: The 36th edition of the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) was also held in December 2023. This maritime exercise involves patrol aircraft from both countries, enhancing their collaborative capabilities at sea.
• Air Force Collaboration – Ex-SIAM BHARAT: The Indian Air Force conducts joint exercises with the Royal Thai Air Force, further solidifying air defense cooperation between the two nations.
Final Thoughts
The Maitree Exercise represents a vital aspect of India-Thailand defence relations, showcasing their commitment to enhancing military cooperation and operational effectiveness.
By participating in joint exercises like Maitree, both countries are not only improving their military capabilities but also fostering a deeper sense of camaraderie and understanding.
As the exercise unfolds in Thailand, it is expected to yield significant benefits for both armies, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle contemporary security challenges together. The ongoing partnership between India and Thailand is a testament to their shared commitment to regional stability and peace.
