MAITREE – XIV India – Thailand joint military exercise commences in Meghalaya

(Forelines) – Today, the Joint Training Node (JTN), located in Umroi, Meghalaya, held a grand opening ceremony to kick off the 14th edition of the India-Thailand joint military exercise, MAITREE-XIV. The exercise will take place between September 1st and September 14th, 2025, India’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Enhancing mutual understanding, cooperation, and interoperability between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army is the aim of the bilateral exercise, which is part of the two countries’ ongoing military-to-military exchange program. The thirteenth iteration of the drill was carried out at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand, Ministry of Defence added.

The Madras Regiment battalion heads up the 120-man Indian Army contingent. The 53-man Royal Thai Army contingent is represented by the 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade.

Under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the combined exercise will concentrate on counterterrorism activities at the corporate level in semi-urban areas.

Tactical exercises, team planning, specific weapons skills, physical fitness, and raiding operations are all part of the two-week program.

A 48-hour validation exercise that mimics actual operational scenarios will be the exercise’s conclusion.

Exercise MAITREE is a major joint training exercise between Thailand and India that was established in 2006.

The latest edition represents both Armies’ shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and security and further strengthens their bilateral defense cooperation.