Exercise LAMITIYE-2026: India and Seychelles carry out joint military exercise

The 11th ongoing India-Seychelles Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE-2026, which was held at the Seychelles Defense Academy between 10-22 March, witnessed extensive professional exchanges and joint training aimed at strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.

According to the Indian Army, this year’s exercise represents the first tri-service edition, bringing together personnel from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the Seychelles Defense Force (SDF).

Joint training focuses on increasing interoperability in unconventional operations in semi-urban environments, especially within the framework of United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Trainings

A series of professional interactions, tactical discussions and practical exercises took place as part of the exercise. Training modules included counter-terrorism operations; Indian Army officers presented a detailed case study of a major operation that emphasized operational planning, intelligence-based targeting and inter-agency coordination in complex terrain.

Participants also received training on cordon and search operations in urban and semi-urban areas, focusing on planning procedures, area dominance, search techniques and crowd management while ensuring the safety of civilians.

Operational demonstrations were an important component of the exercise. Troops from both sides conducted close-quarters combat and room interception exercises, practicing coordinated tactical entry techniques and assault procedures under simulated operational conditions. A special exercise simulating the scenario of a hijacked bus demonstrated the rapid response tactics and coordinated decision-making required in hostage situations.

The exercise also covers emerging operational areas and support capabilities. In the sessions on humanitarian aid and disaster relief, the role of helicopters in casualty evacuation, material distribution and aerial reconnaissance during disasters was emphasized. Discussions on the use of artificial intelligence in disaster management and tactical combat casualty care were also held.

Personnel were also exposed to maritime security operations, with the Seychelles Coast Guard demonstrating the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure procedures used to stop suspicious vessels.

Exercise LAMITIYE-2026 continues to strengthen bilateral defense ties and promote cooperation in resolving regional security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.