Exercise Lamitiye: First Tri-Services Edition To Boost Understanding, Magnify Jointness Between India, Seychelles

India and Seychelles have launched the 11th edition of the joint military drill “Exercise Lamitiye”, with a tri-service contingent of the Indian armed forces participating from March 9 to March 20 at the Seychelles Defence Academy. The exercise marks a significant expansion in the scope of the long-running bilateral drill, reflecting the growing strategic and defence partnership between the two Indian Ocean partners.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the exercise aims to strengthen operational synergy, improve interoperability and deepen military cooperation between the two nations amid evolving security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Exercise Lamitiye: Why it matters for Indian Ocean strategy

The drill comes at a time when India is intensifying defence partnerships with island nations in the Indian Ocean to strengthen maritime security, counter transnational threats and maintain regional stability. Seychelles occupies a strategically important position in the western Indian Ocean, close to vital global shipping routes.

Cooperation with the island nation allows India to enhance maritime domain awareness, respond faster to regional crises and support anti-piracy and security operations in the region.

By conducting regular joint exercises such as Lamitiye, India is working to build trusted security partnerships with smaller island states, a key pillar of its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine.

First tri-service participation

Interestingly, this edition of Exercise Lamitiye marks a major milestone with the participation of all three services of the Indian armed forces. The Indian contingent includes troops from the Assam Regiment, Navy’s frontline frigate INS Trikand, and IAF’s C-130 transport aircraft.

The tri-service participation reflects India’s increasing focus on integrated joint operations, which are considered crucial for responding to modern security challenges.

What will the two militaries train for?

The exercise will focus on sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments, which are increasingly relevant for counter-terrorism and peacekeeping missions. During the 12-day drill, troops from both sides will conduct joint tactical planning and field training exercises, combat discussions and case studies, Demonstrations and lectures, along with operational drills to neutralise potential threats.

Exercise Lamitiye 2026 will culminate in a two-day validation exercise, where troops will apply the lessons learned during the training phase. The MoD said the drill will also showcase new-generation equipment and emerging military technologies.

Lamitiye: A Symbol of Friendship

The word “Lamitiye” means “friendship” in the Creole language, reflecting the spirit of cooperation between India and Seychelles. The exercise has been held biennially since 2001, making it one of the longest-running defence engagements between India and an Indian Ocean island nation.

Defence ties between the two countries have steadily expanded over the years through regular high-level visits, military training programmes, maritime security cooperation, capacity-building support. India has also been actively assisting Seychelles in strengthening coastal surveillance, maritime patrol capabilities and defence infrastructure.

Exercise Lamitiye will help both militaries build operational familiarity and mutual trust, which is critical during humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations and peacekeeping missions.