New Delhi: The ongoing 11th edition of the India–Seychelles Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE-2026, being conducted at the Seychelles Defence Academy from March 10 to 22, has witnessed a series of professional interactions, tactical drills and cultural engagements aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening defence cooperation between the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
As the first tri-services edition of the exercise, it brings together personnel from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force alongside the SDF to jointly train for sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments under the framework of UN peacekeeping operations.
So far, the exercise has included a comprehensive programme of combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and practical drills designed to refine joint operational procedures and promote the exchange of best practices.
Professional interactions have covered counter-terrorism operations, including a detailed case study of a major Indian Army operation that highlighted operational planning, intelligence-driven targeting, inter-agency coordination and challenges encountered in complex terrain and populated environments.
Training sessions have also addressed cordon and search operations in urban and semi-urban areas, focusing on planning, area domination, search techniques, crowd management and coordination between different operational elements to ensure mission success while safeguarding civilians.
Operational demonstrations and practical drills have formed a central component of the exercise. These have included close-quarter battle and room intervention drills, where troops from both sides rehearsed tactical entry techniques, room domination procedures and coordinated assault movements under simulated operational conditions. Combined teams drawn from both contingents practised these drills together, achieving a high degree of coordination and professionalism.
A specialised demonstration of intervention during a hijacked bus scenario further showcased rapid response tactics, coordinated assault procedures and decision-making required to safely manage hostage situations in complex operational environments.
The exercise has also incorporated discussions and demonstrations on emerging operational domains and support capabilities. Presentations have examined the use of helicopters in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, highlighting their role in rapid response, casualty evacuation, supply delivery and aerial reconnaissance during disasters. Sessions on the application of artificial intelligence in disaster management explored the use of data analytics, predictive modelling and technology-enabled logistics to enhance the speed and effectiveness of relief operations.
Medical officers from both contingents have additionally conducted discussions on battlefield medical support and Tactical Combat Critical Care, focusing on immediate casualty care, evacuation procedures and coordination of medical resources in combat situations.
In addition to land-based tactical training, the exercise has provided exposure to maritime security operations, with the Seychelles Coast Guard and Special Forces demonstrating Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) procedures used during the interception of suspicious vessels. The demonstration showcased boarding techniques, coordinated interdiction procedures and operational aspects of maritime law enforcement, offering valuable insights into coastal and maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean region.
Cultural interaction and physical training activities have also been an important feature of the engagement. Personnel from both contingents have participated in yoga sessions and the Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), highlighting the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience and discipline for soldiers. Informal engagements and sporting events, including a friendly football match between the two contingents, have further strengthened camaraderie and mutual trust among the participating troops.
Overall, the activities conducted so far during Exercise LAMITIYE-2026 have significantly enhanced professional exchange, operational understanding and interoperability between the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
The ongoing joint training continues to strengthen bilateral defence ties while contributing to greater cooperation, mutual learning and collective preparedness for peacekeeping and security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.