The Indian Army and the Royal Thailand Army (RTA) are set to launch their joint military exercise, named MAITREE-2019. This exercise, scheduled to be held in Meghalaya from September 16th to 29th, 2019, is part of an annual training event that both nations have been participating in since 2006. This collaboration assumes critical importance in the current global backdrop, which has seen transformative changes in the face of terrorism.
The Context of Exercise MAITREE
Exercise MAITREE is conducted alternatively in India and Thailand and is significant for both countries as they grapple with security challenges posed by terrorism. For instance, Southern regions of Thailand like Satun city, Patthalung province, and Bangkok, which attract a significant number of foreigners, are especially susceptible to terrorist activities.
The aim of this joint military exercise is to provide company-level joint training on insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in both jungle and urban scenarios. It’s a collaborative attempt by both nations to utilize their combined skills and expertise in combatting terrorism.
Relevance to Defence Cooperation and Bilateral Relations
The joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thailand Army is seen as a means of bolstering defence cooperation and bilateral relations between the two nations. The commitment by both countries to work together on issues of mutual concern has potential implications for regional security.
Since 2005, the Royal Thailand Navy and the Indian Navy have shown a similar cooperative spirit by participating in Coordinated Patrols (CORPATs) in the Indian Ocean region.
Table: Joint Military Exercises of India with Other Countries
| Name of Exercise | Country |
|---|---|
| Garuda Shakti | Indonesia |
| Ekuverin | Maldives |
| Hand-in-Hand | China |
| Kurukshetra | Singapore |
| Mitra Shakti | Sri Lanka |
| Nomadic Elephant | Mongolia |
| Shakti | France |
| Surya Kiran | Nepal |
| Yudh Abhyas | USA |
The Future of International Joint Military Exercises
These joint military exercises, such as MAITREE, are a crucial mechanism for employment in the context of the evolving threats of terrorism. They help build a secure environment by providing a platform for armies to learn from each other’s experiences in dealing with insurgencies and terrorist activities.
