An Indian Armed Forces contingent has arrived in Seychelles for the 11th edition of the joint military exercise Lamitiye 2026 with the Seychelles Defence Forces. The exercise will be held at the Seychelles Defence Academy from 9 March to 20 March. Lamitiye means friendship in the Creole language. It is a biennial exercise conducted in Seychelles since 2001.
Exercise Profile
Lamitiye 2026 is a tri-service participation exercise from the Indian side. The contingent includes personnel from the Assam Regiment, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. Naval and air assets such as INS Trikand and a C-130 aircraft are also part of the deployment. The exercise reflects India’s focus on integrated military cooperation with friendly foreign forces.
Training Focus
The 12-day exercise will involve joint training, planning and execution of tactical drills. The main aim is to neutralise potential threats in semi-urban settings. The exercise will also showcase new-generation equipment and technologies. Planned activities include:
- Field training exercises
- Combat discussions
- Case studies
- Lectures
- Demonstrations
Operational Significance
The drills will culminate in a two-day validation exercise. The exercise is designed to improve synergy in sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments. It also seeks to strengthen cooperation and interoperability during peacekeeping operations. Such exercises help both sides exchange skills, experiences and best practices.
Bilateral Defence Cooperation
Lamitiye 2026 is expected to deepen military ties between India and Seychelles. It will enhance mutual understanding and jointness between the armed forces of both countries. The exercise also underlines India’s wider engagement in maritime and regional security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026