EXERCISE MAITREE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The Indian Army contingent departed yesterday for the 13th edition of India- Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE.

Exercise MAITREE

• About: It is conducted annually between India and Thailand, alternating between the two countries since 2006.
• Training Focus: Company-level joint exercises in insurgency & counter-terrorism across jungle and urban environments.
• Objective: The primary aim is to enhance military cooperation between India and Thailand, particularly in executing joint counter-insurgency and terrorist operations.
• Participants: The Indian Army contingent comprises personnel from the LADAKH SCOUTS battalion and other arms and services, totaling 76 personnel. 

oThe Royal Thailand Army contingent includes 76 personnel from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of 4 Division.

• Practices: Creation of Joint Operation Centre, Intelligence & Surveillance setup, Drone operations, Heliborne operations, Cordon and Search, Room Intervention, Demolition drills.
• Benefits

oExercise MAITREE enables both sides to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint military operations.

oThe exercise fosters inter-operability, camaraderie, and mutual understanding between soldiers of India and Thailand.