Tue Sep 02 15:42:14 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**News Article:**

**India and Thailand Kick Off Joint Military Exercise ‘MAITREE 2025’**

*New Delhi, September 2, 2025* – The 14th edition of the joint military exercise “MAITREE” between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army commenced on Monday, September 1, 2025, at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, India. The exercise, scheduled to run until September 14th, aims to bolster interoperability and mutual understanding between the two nations’ armed forces.

The Indian contingent comprises 120 personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, while the Royal Thai Army is represented by 53 soldiers from the 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade.

This year’s exercise will concentrate on company-level counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban environments, operating under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. Training modules will encompass tactical drills, joint planning, weapons skills, physical endurance, and raiding operations. The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour validation phase, simulating realistic operational scenarios to test the skills learned.

Exercise MAITREE, which was initiated in 2006, is a vital part of the ongoing military-to-military exchange program between India and Thailand. It underscores the shared commitment of both countries to regional peace, security, and stability. The previous iteration of the exercise took place in Tak Province, Thailand.

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