Context:
An Indian Armed Forces contingent is participating in the 11th edition of Exercise LAMITIYE-2026 with the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) in Seychelles.
Key Highlights:
- Exercise Details
- LAMITIYE means ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language.
- It is a biennial joint military exercise conducted since 2001.
- Hosted in Seychelles.
- Participating Forces
- Indian contingent includes:
- ASSAM Regiment personnel
- Participation from Indian Navy and Indian Air Force
- Assets: INS Trikand, C-130 aircraft
- Unique Feature of 2026 Edition
- Marks first tri-services participation (Army, Navy, Air Force).
- Operational Focus
- Sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments.
- Enhancing interoperability and coordination during:
- Peacekeeping Operations
- Includes:
- Field training exercises
- Tactical drills
- Combat discussions and case studies
- Final validation exercise
- Strategic Significance
- Strengthens India–Seychelles defence cooperation.
- Enhances India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Supports maritime security and regional stability.
- Demonstrates use of new-generation military technologies.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- LAMITIYE Exercise: India–Seychelles joint military exercise.
- INS Trikand:
- A Talwar-class stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.
- C-130J Super Hercules:
- Tactical transport aircraft used for special operations.
- Seychelles: Island nation in the Western Indian Ocean.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Strategic Importance of IOR:
- Critical for global trade routes and energy security.
- Increasing geopolitical competition → need for partnerships.
- Defence Diplomacy:
- Exercises like LAMITIYE promote capacity building and trust.
- Helps India project itself as a net security provider.
- Interoperability Benefits:
- Enhances jointness among tri-services.
- Improves readiness for multinational peacekeeping missions.
- Way Forward:
- Expand tri-service integrated exercises with IOR countries.
- Strengthen maritime domain awareness cooperation.
- Promote defence technology collaboration and training exchanges.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper 3 – Defence, Internal Security, International Relations