The 11th edition of Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE 2026 took place in Seychelles from March 9 to 20, involving the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) to improve interoperability, operational synergy, and mutual understanding in semi-urban and maritime security scenarios.

LAMITIYE, which means ‘Friendship’ in Creole, symbolises the longstanding defence partnership between India and Seychelles. The exercise included integrated participation from the SDF’s Coast Guard, Air Force, and Special Operations Unit, alongside Indian contingents, including the deployment of INS Trikand for maritime operations.

Throughout the exercise, both parties engaged in extensive joint planning, coordination, and operations across land and sea. Key activities featured the establishment of a Joint Operations Center and semi-urban counter-subversion drills involving cordon and search operations, as well as precision assault missions that demonstrated a high level of coordination and trust.

The maritime component involved advanced Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations conducted by Indian Navy MARCOS and the SDF Special Operations Unit, highlighting seamless integration and joint operational capability in complex environments.

The exercise concluded with a high-intensity 72-hour validation phase on Praslin Island, which included joint amphibious insertion, UAV-enabled reconnaissance, coordinated raids on hostile elements, and integrated casualty evacuation drills. The successful implementation validated key tactics, techniques and procedures, enhanced jointness and interoperability, and strengthened the human-to-human connection between the forces.