تضمنت الأنشطة التدريبية المشتركة مجموعة واسعة من التمارين التكتيكية، بما في ذلك تدريب الأسلحة
The 13th edition of the joint military exercise Maitree 2024 between the Indian Army and the Royal Thailand Army culminated in a grand closing ceremony at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand. The two-week exercise, held from July 1 to July 15, 2024, was marked by intensive training and collaboration aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and interoperability of both armies.

The closing ceremony was graced by Major General Narongrit Panikabutr, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division of the Royal Thailand Army, who served as the Chief Guest. From the Indian side, Group Captain Brijesh Paul, Defence Attache to Thailand, was the guest of honour. Major General Panikabutr commended the dedication and proficiency displayed by both contingents, emphasizing that exercise Maitree plays a crucial role in strengthening defence cooperation between India and Thailand. He highlighted the exercise’s significance in addressing regional security challenges and promoting peace under the United Nations charter.

The joint training activities during Maitree 2024 encompassed a wide range of tactical exercises, including weapon training, day and night firing, rappelling, jungle survival techniques, navigation training, communication exercises, combat first aid, and casualty evacuation drills. 

Lieutenant Colonel Mandan Ojha, Contingent Commander of the Indian Army contingent, expressed gratitude to the Royal Thailand Army for hosting the exercise. He highlighted the mutual benefits gained from the exchange of best practices and expertise, reinforcing the operational capabilities of both armies. The Indian Army stated that the exercise significantly bolstered interoperability between the two nations, facilitating enhanced synergy in the conduct of joint tactical operations in both jungle and urban environments.

The Indian Army contingent, comprising 76 personnel mainly from a Battalion of the Ladakh Scouts along with personnel from other arms and services, departed for the 13th edition of Exercise Maitree on July 1, 2024. The Royal Thailand Army contingent also included 76 personnel, primarily from the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Division. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2019.

The aim of Exercise Maitree is to foster military cooperation between India and Thailand, enhancing combined capabilities in executing joint counterinsurgency and terrorist operations in both jungle and urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise focuses on achieving a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills.

The tactical drills practiced during the exercise included the creation of a Joint Operation Centre, establishing an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre, employing drones and counter-drone systems, securing a landing site, small team insertion and extraction, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, and the demolition of illegal structures. These drills aimed to enable both sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations, thus developing interoperability, camaraderie, and a strong bond between the soldiers of both countries.

Exercise Maitree 2024 has set a benchmark for future military collaborations between India and Thailand. The successful completion of this edition highlights the importance of joint military exercises in building trust, enhancing operational readiness, and fostering a spirit of cooperation between nations. As Major General Narongrit Panikabutr emphasized, such exercises are vital for addressing regional security challenges and promoting global peace and stability.

The enduring friendship and enhanced synergy achieved through Exercise Maitree 2024 serve as a testament to the commitment of both India and Thailand to work together in ensuring regional security and fostering peace. The lessons learned and the camaraderie developed during this exercise will undoubtedly contribute to the continued strengthening of defence ties between the two nations.

As the soldiers return to their respective countries, they carry with them the skills, experiences, and friendships forged during these two weeks of intensive training and collaboration. The success of Exercise Maitree 2024 underscores the importance of such initiatives in building a more secure and peaceful world.