The 11th edition of Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2026” is being conducted between Indian Armed Forces and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) in Seychelles from 9–20 March 2026 at the Seychelles Defence Academy.
The word “LAMITIYE” means “Friendship” in Creole, one of the official languages of Seychelles. The exercise is a biennial military training event conducted in Seychelles since 2001.
Exercise LAMITIYE-2026
| Feature | Details |
| Exercise | LAMITIYE-2026 |
| Edition | 11th |
| Dates | 9–20 March 2026 |
| Location | Seychelles Defence Academy |
| Participating Countries | India and Seychelles |
| Duration | 12 days |
| Nature | Joint military training exercise |
Tri-Service Participation
The 2026 edition is significant because it involves all three services of the Indian Armed Forces.
| Service | Participation |
| Indian Army | Personnel from the Assam Regiment |
| Indian Navy | Deployment of INS Trikand |
| Indian Air Force | Participation of a Lockheed Martin C‑130J Super Hercules transport aircraft |
This tri-service involvement highlights joint operational capability and integrated defence cooperation.
Objectives of Exercise LAMITIYE-2026
The exercise aims to:
- Enhance interoperability and coordination between the armed forces of both countries.
- Strengthen cooperation in Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs).
- Train forces for sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments.
- Promote bilateral defence relations and military diplomacy.
- Facilitate exchange of tactical knowledge, operational experiences and best practices.
Training Activities
The 12-day exercise will include several operational and training components.
| Activity | Description |
| Field Training Exercises | Real-time tactical drills |
| Combat Discussions | Strategy discussions on operational challenges |
| Case Studies | Analysis of previous operations |
| Lectures & Demonstrations | Knowledge sharing on military tactics and equipment |
| Tactical Drills | Neutralisation of threats in semi-urban settings |
| Validation Exercise | Two-day final operational exercise |
Focus Areas of the Exercise
1. Semi-Urban Warfare
Troops will train to neutralize threats in semi-urban and coastal environments.
2. Peacekeeping Operations
Enhancing coordination during United Nations peacekeeping missions.
3. Technology Demonstration
The exercise will showcase new-generation military equipment and technologies.
4. Operational Interoperability
Developing the ability of both forces to operate together in joint missions.
Key Features of Exercise LAMITIYE
| Feature | Description |
| Tri-Service Participation | Army, Navy and Air Force from India |
| Tactical Drills | Field exercises and operational simulations |
| Semi-Urban Warfare | Focus on sub-conventional operations |
| Technology Showcase | Demonstration of modern defence equipment |
| Validation Phase | Final two-day operational readiness drill |
| Capacity Building | Exchange of skills and military best practices |
Significance of Exercise
- Strengthens India–Seychelles defence cooperation.
- Enhances joint operational capability in maritime and coastal security.
- Supports India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Builds mutual trust and interoperability between the two militaries.
- Contributes to regional stability and security.
About Seychelles
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Archipelagic island nation |
| Location | Western Indian Ocean |
| Number of Islands | 155 islands |
| Capital | Victoria |
| Main Island | Mahé Island |
| Geographic Feature | Located on the Mascarene Plateau |
| Status | Smallest country in Africa |
Strategic Importance for India
Seychelles holds significant strategic value for India because:
- It lies along major maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
- It is an important partner in India’s SAGAR initiative.
- Cooperation enhances maritime security, anti-piracy efforts, and regional stability.