The elite soldiers of the 9 Gorkha Rifles have landed in Thailand to take part in the 15th edition of the India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV.
The exclusive exercise commenced at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand, with the opening ceremony presided over by Lt Gen Norathip Phoynok, Commander, 4th Army Area, Royal Thai Army.
According to a spokesperson of the Indian Army, the exercise is being conducted from August 18-31, brings together contingents of the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army for company-level joint training aimed at enhancing their capabilities to undertake joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in jungle and semi-urban environments.
The 9 Gorkha Rifles contingent includes 85 personnel.
The Royal Thai Army contingent also comprises 85 personnel and is represented by troops from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.
The exercise is designed to strengthen military cooperation between India and Thailand and improve the two forces’ ability to conduct joint operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The training programme will include field exercises, combat discussions, lectures and demonstrations, culminating in a validation exercise.
The participating troops will also exchange operational experiences and best practices and showcase contemporary equipment and technologies used during joint operations.
MAITREE-XV will provide the two contingents an opportunity to familiarise themselves with each other’s operational procedures and tactical approaches, thereby enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding.
The exercise is also expected to reinforce camaraderie and facilitate the sharing of lessons learned from contemporary military operations.
The previous edition of the exercise was conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.
Instituted in 2006, Exercise MAITREE has emerged as an important platform for strengthening defence cooperation between India and Thailand.
Over the years, the exercise has facilitated greater interoperability, exchange of operational knowledge and mutual understanding between the two armies, contributing to the longstanding defence and strategic partnership between the two countries.
