The 14th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Maitree’ between India and Thailand began in Umroi, Meghalaya

Introduction - The 14th edition of the joint exercise ‘Maitree’ between the armies of India and Thailand is being held in Umroi, Meghalaya from 1 to 14 September, 2025. Exercise Maitree began in 2006 as an annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.

• The objective of this exercise is to enhance the operational capabilities of both armies in conducting joint counter-terrorism operations at the company level in semi-urban areas.
• Exercise Maitree began in 2006 as an annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army. This exercise is held alternately in India and Thailand.

Previous Maitree Exercise

• The previous Maitree exercise was held in Tak Province, Thailand, where both sides deployed 76 soldiers each, including Ladakh Scouts from India and the 1st Battalion of the 14th Infantry Regiment from Thailand.

India-Thailand Bilateral Relations

• Historical background - The relations between India and Thailand are more than two thousand years old. In ancient times, Buddhism and Hindu culture reached Thailand from India. The Ramayana is known as ‘Ramakien’ in Thailand and is an important part of its culture.
• During the time of Emperor Ashoka, Buddhist monks spread the teachings of Buddha in Thailand. Thailand was referred to as ‘Suwarnabhumi’ in ancient Indian texts.
• Diplomatic relations - Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1947. Both sides celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022.
• Prime Minister Modi met Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on 11 October, 2024 in Vientiane (capital of Laos) on the occasion of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits.
• Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been regularly visiting India. She has been awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize (2004), the first World Sanskrit Award (2016), and the Padma Bhushan (2017).

Other Exercises

• The joint military exercises between India and Thailand include Exercise Maitree (Army), Exercise Siam Bharat (Air Force), and the India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) (Navy).
• These exercises strengthen defense cooperation between India and Thailand, promoting coordination and joint operational capabilities among the Army, Air Force, and Navy.