July 1, 2024: A Significant Day for India-Thailand Relations
The Maitree Exercise, a joint military drill between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army, begins at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand. This two-week event, lasting until July 15, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in the military collaboration between the two nations.
#WATCH | The joint military exercise MAITREE 2024, between the Indian Army and the Royal Thailand Army, is underway at Tak Province in Thailand.
Exercise MAITREE 2024 will continue till 15 July with additional training activities aimed at further enhancing the operational… pic.twitter.com/dAbp2QPZ4i
What is the Maitree Exercise?
A Long-standing Tradition:
- Initiated in 2006
- Regularly conducted between Indian and Thai armies
- Last held in September 2019 in Meghalaya, India
Participants:
- 76 Indian Army personnel from Ladakh Scouts and other divisions
- 76 Royal Thai Army personnel from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of the 4th Division
Goals of the Exercise
The Maitree Exercise aims to:
- Enhance military cooperation between India and Thailand
- Improve skills in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations
- Refine joint planning and tactical drills
- Promote physical fitness among troops
Key Activities During the Exercise
Participants will engage in:
- Creating a joint operation center
- Establishing intelligence and surveillance centers
- Utilizing drones and counterdrone systems
- Securing landing sites
- Conducting special heliborne operations
- Performing cordon and search operations
Importance of the Maitree Exercise
Strengthening Defense Ties:
- Part of broader efforts to enhance defense sector cooperation
- Builds on the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation
Enhancing Military Skills:
- Focuses on urban and jungle warfare techniques
- Improves coordination between the two armies
Promoting Regional Stability:
- Contributes to peace and security in the region
- Demonstrates India’s commitment to its “Act East” policy
India-Thailand Defense Relations
Maritime Neighbors:
- Sharing a maritime border in the Andaman Sea, making defense cooperation crucial for regional security
Other Joint Military Exercises:
Naval Exercises:
- Ex-Ayutthaya: First bilateral naval exercise held in December 2023
- India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT): 36th edition held in December 2023
Air Force Exercise:
- Ex-SIAM BHARAT: Joint exercise between the Indian and Royal Thai Air Forces
Significance of the Exercise Name
“Maitree” means friendship in Sanskrit, reflecting the spirit of cooperation and goodwill between India and Thailand.
Looking Ahead
As the Maitree Exercise 2024 commences, it symbolizes more than just a military drill. It celebrates the strengthening partnership between India and Thailand, contributing to regional peace and stability. This exercise highlights the commitment of both nations to face common challenges together and enhance their defense capabilities.