Context:
The 11th edition of India–Seychelles Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE-2026 is being conducted from March 10–22, 2026 at the Seychelles Defence Academy, marking a key step in bilateral defence ties.
Key Highlights:
- Defence Cooperation & Exercise Details
- First-ever tri-services participation from India:
- Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force
- Conducted with Seychelles Defence Forces.
- Focus on interoperability in sub-conventional operations.
- Operational Focus Areas
- Training in semi-urban simulated environments.
- Emphasis on:
- Counter-terrorism operations
- Counter-piracy missions
- UN Peacekeeping operations
- Strategic Significance
- Enhances bilateral military relations and trust.
- Strengthens India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Supports maritime security and regional stability.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- LAMITIYE Exercise: Joint India–Seychelles military exercise (meaning “friendship” in Creole).
- Interoperability: Ability of forces to operate jointly with seamless coordination.
- Sub-conventional Operations: Includes counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency.
- UN Peacekeeping: Missions to maintain peace in conflict zones under UN mandate.
- Seychelles: Strategic island nation in Western Indian Ocean.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Role of defence diplomacy in India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine.
- Importance of IOR in global trade and security architecture.
- Enhancing capacity of small island nations for maritime security.
- Countering non-traditional threats like piracy and terrorism.
- Way Forward
- Expand joint exercises and training programs.
- Deepen maritime domain awareness cooperation.
- Strengthen regional security frameworks in IOR.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS II: International Relations
- GS III: Internal Security