The 14th edition of the India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XIV commenced in Meghalaya on 2nd September 2025. The bilateral exercise reflects the deepening of defense cooperation between the two nations and highlights India’s strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Highlights of Exercise MAITREE-XIV
- Participants: Indian Army and Royal Thai Army contingents.
- Location: Conducted at Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya.
- Duration: Two weeks (September 2025).
- Focus Areas:
- Counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
- Jungle warfare training and tactical drills.
- Joint planning at platoon and company levels.
- Sharing of experiences in UN Peacekeeping Operations.
Strategic Significance
- Strengthening Defense Ties: Reinforces India–Thailand military cooperation under the framework of ASEAN–India Strategic Partnership.
- Indo-Pacific Outreach: Supports India’s Act East Policy and enhances regional stability in Southeast Asia.
- Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Builds interoperability in tackling insurgency, terrorism, and cross-border threats.
- People-to-People Engagement: Promotes cultural and military exchanges between personnel of both armies.
Relevance for UPSC
- GS Paper II (IR): India’s relations with ASEAN, Act East Policy, India–Thailand defense cooperation.
- GS Paper III (Security): Counter-terrorism, insurgency operations, role of joint military exercises.
- Essay & Interview: India’s regional diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific.
Background
- The MAITREE exercise was initiated in 2006 as part of growing defense cooperation.
- Past editions have been held alternately in India and Thailand.
- Meghalaya’s location, near India’s Northeast border, makes it strategically significant for counter-insurgency training.
Practice Question for UPSC
Q. Examine the strategic significance of Exercise MAITREE between India and Thailand in the context of India’s Act East Policy. (250 words)