Exercise LAMITIYE-2026

Exercise LAMITIYE-2026: 11th edition of Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2026” with Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). The  Exercise will be conducted at Seychelles Defence Academy from 09-20 March 2026. It is a high-level tactical exchange designed to synchronize the combat capabilities of both nations as unconventional threats like piracy and maritime terrorism persist and maintain the stability in the Western Indian Ocean.

‘LAMITIYE’ meaning ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language is a biennial training event and has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001.

Key Objectives of LAMITIYE-2026

The primary focus of this year's exercise is to enhance the "bridge of friendship" through practical, field-based training. The core objectives include:

• Tactical Interoperability: Harmonizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments.

• Counter-Terrorism Proficiency: Sharpening skills in room intervention, hostage rescue, and neutralizing asymmetric threats.

• Maritime Domain Awareness: Improving the ability to monitor and secure vast exclusive economic zones (EEZs) against illegal activities.

• Cultural Exchange: Building "esprit de corps" between the Indian Army personnel and the Seychelles Defence Forces.

The Joint Exercise is conducted in a different pillar such as:

The Integration Pillar: Building a Common Ground

The first phase is all about "shaking hands" professionally before the heavy maneuvers begin, soldiers from the Indian Army and the Seychelles Defence Forces engage in Weapon Familiarization and joint lectures to ensure that every participant is comfortable with the equipment and tactical vocabulary of their counterparts and build mutual trust for high-stakes operations.

The Tactical Pillar: Master Skills in the Field

Once the teams are integrated, the intensity shifts to Field Training Exercises (FTX). This is where the "heavy lifting" happens. It includes specialized drills such as:

• Heliborne Operations: Rapid insertion and extraction using aircraft.

• Jungle Warfare: Navigating and combatting in dense, tropical terrain.

• EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal): Sharing expertise on identifying and neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The Validation Pillar: The Ultimate Test

The exercise culminates in a rigorous 48-hour Simulation, a non-stop "mock operation" that tests everything learned in the previous phases. It forces commanders and troops to make real-time decisions under stress, validating their ability to execute a joint command. 

It’s also the final "proof of concept" that shows both nations can move, communicate, and win as a single, unified force.

Exercise LAMITIYE-2026 serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring "friendship" and strategic alignment between India and Seychelles by refining tactical interoperability and mastering complex maritime security challenges, both nations ensure a more stable and resilient Indian Ocean Region and reinforces a shared vision for global peace and security.

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