The anti-terrorism joint military exercise ‘Maitri-2025’ between India and Thailand started today on Tuesday. This exercise is being conducted at Umroi Foreign Training Center in Meghalaya. Its aim is to strengthen the anti-terrorism capabilities, strategy and coordination skills of the armies of both the countries.
According to the Indian Army, this exercise is being conducted in semi-urban areas under the United Nations chapters. Its focus is to enhance the interoperability and training of both the armies in counter-terrorism operations in such areas. This is the 14th edition of the ‘Maitri’ series and will continue till September 14.
To participate in the exercise, the contingent of the Thai army reached Guwahati airport directly. The Indian army gave them a grand welcome with the tunes of military bands and traditional guard of honour. This exercise was first started in 2006 and since then it has been held alternately in India and Thailand. This time the exercise is being held in India after a gap of five years. Defence experts believe that this will give new impetus to defence cooperation between the two countries.
During the exercise, both the armies are practicing operations like joint patrolling, use of weapons and rescuing persons held hostage by terrorists. Later, there will be training on other scenarios of anti-terrorism operations. The soldiers will also get an opportunity to get acquainted with each other’s culture, tradition and military lifestyle. A senior Indian Army officer said that this exercise is giving new heights to the operational capability of both the armies as well as India-Thailand friendship and strategic partnership.
Also, ‘Maitri-2025’ also includes joint training, cultural exchange and sports activities. Earlier, the Indian Army successfully completed the ‘Yudh Kaushal 3.0’ military exercise in the Kameng area of Arunachal Pradesh. It included demonstration of drone surveillance, real-time target designation, precision strike, air-coastal dominance and coordinated combat strategies
