Army contingent leaves for India–Thailand exercise MAITREE-XV
An Indian Army contingent left on 17 August 2026 for Thailand for the 15th edition of the India–Thailand joint military exercise MAITREE, to be held from 18 to 31 August 2026 in Surat Thani.
Summary
An Indian Army contingent departed on 17 August 2026 for the 15th edition of the India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV, scheduled from 18 to 31 August 2026 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani, Thailand. Each side fields 85 personnel: the Indian side is drawn mainly from 9 Gorkha Rifles and the Royal Thai Army from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division. The company-level training focuses on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The previous edition was held at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025; the exercise was instituted in 2006.
Key facts
- Edition
- 15th (MAITREE-XV)
- Dates
- 18–31 August 2026
- Venue
- Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani, Thailand
- Strength
- 85 personnel each side
- Indian unit
- 9 Gorkha Rifles
- Focus
- Jungle and semi-urban CI/CT ops, UN Charter Chapter VII
- Previous edition
- Umroi, Meghalaya, September 2025
- Instituted
- 2006
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Exercise MAITREE, whose 15th edition began in August 2026, is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
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Correct answer: A — Thailand
MAITREE is the India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise; the 15th edition is held at Surat Thani, Thailand, from 18 to 31 August 2026.
Troops from which Indian Army regiment primarily represent India at Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026)?
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Correct answer: D — 9 Gorkha Rifles
The Indian Army contingent of 85 personnel is drawn primarily from 9 Gorkha Rifles.
Where was the previous (14th) edition of the India–Thailand exercise MAITREE held in September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya
The Ministry of Defence said the last edition was conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.