Tezpur: The closing ceremony of the 14th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Exercise MAITREE-XIV’ between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army was held on Sunday at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi Cantonment. The two-week-long exercise, conducted under the United Nations (UN) mandate, aimed to enhance interoperability, exchange combat experiences, and familiarize troops with each other’s operational procedures and drills.
The exercise concluded with a 48-hour validation phase that tested the joint skills of both armies. The drills included setting up a Temporary Operating Base (TOB), establishing an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid, village isolation, heliborne operations, raids, and hostage rescue missions. Both contingents also showcased and employed new-generation equipment during the exercise.
Also Read: Union MoS Pabitra Margherita to Represent PM Modi at Papua New Guinea’s 50th I-Day
The closing ceremony was marked by a solemn felicitation of outstanding soldiers, along with vibrant cultural performances reflecting the rich martial and artistic traditions of India and Thailand. To strengthen camaraderie, troops from both sides engaged in friendly sports matches including volleyball, basketball, and tug of war, as well as a cultural evening on the final day.
Officials noted that the exercise was a resounding success, fostering mutual trust and understanding while significantly boosting interoperability. Beyond training, it reaffirmed the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Thailand, further strengthening defense ties between the two nations.
