The ongoing Maitree-15 joint military exercise between India and Thailand goes far beyond conventional weapons and tactical planning, as soldiers from both nations actively exchange insights on ancient combat styles, close-quarter battle techniques, and counter-terrorism operational experiences. During the drills, the Royal Thai Army showcased its renowned Muay Thai martial art, while the Indian contingent responded by demonstrating its specialized Army Martial Arts Routine known as AMAR.
Following the Muay Thai demonstration, Indian troops utilized AMAR to display advanced close-combat and self-defense maneuvers. This dynamic exchange highlighted the exceptional physical fitness, strict discipline, unwavering confidence, and operational readiness of soldiers from both nations. Furthermore, the Indian Army shared its practical operational experiences with Thai counterparts. Troops conducted joint simulations covering scenarios such as mobile vehicle checkpoints, cordon and search operations, and tactical entries into suspected militant hideouts.
During counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments, soldiers are frequently required to assess rapidly evolving situations and make split-second decisions. With this challenge in mind, the exercise placed special emphasis on mutual coordination, tactical precision, constant vigilance, and swift reactions to emerging threats. Improvised Explosive Devices remain a critical hazard in modern counter-terrorism operations. At Maitree-15, both armies practiced systematic procedures for detecting such explosive hazards and neutralizing them safely.
Soldiers shared protocols regarding identifying potential explosive risks, evaluating tactical situations, and executing secure yet effective responses. The Maitree-15 exercise is scheduled from August 18 to August 31, 2026, at the Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp located in Surat Thani, Thailand. A total of 170 military personnel are participating in the drills, with exactly 85 soldiers representing the Indian Army and 85 personnel representing the Royal Thai Army.
The Indian contingent is proudly represented by soldiers from the Gorkha Rifles, while the Thai side features the 3rd Battalion of the 25th Infantry Brigade. The primary objective of this bilateral exercise is to enhance joint operational capability and mutual tactical synergy between the two armies at the company level, specifically focusing on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
From the demonstrations of Muay Thai and AMAR to practicing IED detection, cordon and search tactics, and room intervention drills, Maitree-15 provides both military forces with an invaluable opportunity to closely understand each other's combat skills and practical operational wisdom.
