INDIA - THAILAND JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE MAITREE - XIV COMMENCES IN MEGHALAYA

IN NEWS: India – Thailand Joint Military Exercise ‘Maitree – XIV’ Commences in Meghalaya

UPSC STYLE ANALYSIS

1. Context:
   The 14th edition of the India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise ‘Maitree – XIV’ commenced with a grand opening ceremony at the Joint Training Node (JTN), Umroi, Meghalaya, on 2 September 2025. The exercise is scheduled from 1st to 14th September 2025.
2. Objective:
   • To enhance cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.
   • To strengthen military-to-military exchanges and reinforce bilateral defence ties between India and Thailand.
3. Participating Units:
   • Indian Army Contingent: 120 personnel from a Battalion of the Madras Regiment.
   • Royal Thai Army Contingent: 53 personnel from the 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade.
4. Exercise Focus Areas:
   • Conduct of company-level counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
   • Key activities include:
     • Tactical drills and joint planning
     • Special arms skills and physical fitness modules
     • Raiding and room-intervention operations
   • The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour validation exercise simulating realistic operational scenarios.
5. Background:
   • Exercise Maitree was instituted in 2006 as part of India’s broader effort to promote regional defence cooperation under the Act East Policy.
   • The 13th edition was held at Fort Vachiraprakan, Tak Province, Thailand.
6. Significance:
   • Reinforces bilateral defence cooperation and shared commitment to peace, stability, and regional security.
   • Enhances interoperability for counter-terrorism operations and United Nations Peacekeeping mandates.
   • Strengthens India’s engagement in Southeast Asia, reflecting its role as a responsible security partner in the region.

STATIC PART (RELEVANT FOR UPSC)

1. Exercise Maitree:
   • Type: Bilateral military exercise between India and Thailand.
   • Started in: 2006.
   • Objective: Joint training in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in varied terrains.
   • Frequency: Annual, held alternatively in India and Thailand.
2. Chapter VII of the UN Charter:
   • Authorizes the UN Security Council to take enforcement action to maintain or restore international peace and security, including military measures.
3. Joint Training Node (JTN), Umroi:
   • Located in Meghalaya, serves as a centre for bilateral and multilateral military training exercises.
   • Provides realistic terrain and environmental conditions for counter-insurgency and jungle warfare training.
4. Madras Regiment:
   • One of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, established in 1758.
   • Known for its participation in both conventional warfare and UN peacekeeping missions.
5. India–Thailand Defence Relations:
   • Focused on joint training, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.
   • Form part of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision.

Updated – 02 Sep 2025 ; 05:14 PM | PIB Delhi