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An Indian Armed Forces contingent has arrived in Seychelles to participate in the 11th edition of the Joint Military Exercise Lamitiye-2026. The exercise reflects the growing strategic and defence cooperation between India and Seychelles, particularly in the context of maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

About Seychelles

• Seychelles is an archipelago of about 115 islands located in the western Indian Ocean. Due to its strategic location along major sea lanes, the country plays an important role in regional maritime security, anti-piracy operations, and surveillance in the Indian Ocean.

About Exercise Lamitiye

Exercise Lamitiye is a biennial joint military training exercise conducted between India and Seychelles since 2001.

• The term “Lamitiye” means “Friendship” in the Creole language, symbolising the close bilateral relationship between the two nations.
• Host Country: Seychelles
• Participants: Armed Forces of India and Seychelles

The exercise focuses on strengthening operational coordination, tactical capabilities, and defence collaboration.

Objectives of the Exercise

The primary aims of Exercise Lamitiye include:

• Enhancing interoperability and coordination between Indian and Seychellois forces.
• Improving joint operational capabilities during peacekeeping missions.
• Strengthening preparedness to handle sub-conventional threats in semi-urban environments.
• Promoting defence cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Key Features

• Tri-Service Participation: Involves personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, highlighting integrated joint operations.
• Tactical Training Activities: Includes field exercises, combat discussions, demonstrations, and case studies.
• Focus on Semi-Urban Warfare: Troops train to respond to sub-conventional threats in semi-urban and coastal environments.
• Technology Demonstration: Provides opportunities to showcase modern military equipment and emerging defence technologies.
• Validation Phase: The exercise concludes with a two-day validation drill to test the operational readiness of participating forces.
• Capacity Building: Facilitates exchange of best practices, tactical skills, and operational experiences.