New Delhi: An Indian Army contingent departed for the 13th edition of the India-Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE. Scheduled to be conducted from July 1 to July 15, 2024, at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand, this exercise aims to enhance military cooperation and joint operational capabilities between the two nations. The previous edition of Exercise MAITREE was held at Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2019.
The Indian Army contingent, comprising 76 personnel, is predominantly represented by a Battalion of the LADAKH SCOUTS, along with members from other arms and services. Similarly, the Royal Thailand Army contingent includes 76 personnel, mainly from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of the 4th Division.
The primary objective of Exercise MAITREE is to foster military cooperation between India and Thailand. It seeks to enhance the combined capabilities of both armies in executing joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in both jungle and urban environments, in accordance with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will emphasize a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills.
During the exercise, the troops will practice various tactical drills, including the creation of a Joint Operation Centre, establishing an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre, employing drones and counter-drone systems, securing a landing site, small team insertion and extraction, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, and the demolition of illegal structures.
Exercise MAITREE will enable both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations. It will facilitate the development of interoperability, fostering camaraderie and bonhomie between the soldiers of both countries.