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Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-03-10 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — International Relations, Maritime Security, Indian Ocean Region ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-03-10 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — International Relations, Maritime Security, Indian Ocean Region ///

News · GS Paper 2

India-Seychelles Joint Exercise LAMITIYE 2026

The 11th edition of the biennial LAMITIYE exercise saw the first tri‑service participation of the Indian Armed Forces alongside the Seychelles Defence Forces. Held in 2026, the drill underscores Seychelles' strategic location on key Indian Ocean trade routes and aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

2026-03-10

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Key Facts & Data Points

Exercise Name: LAMITIYE (means Friendship in Creole)
Edition: 11th (2026)
Frequency: Biennial (since 2001)
Participating Indian Units:
Army: Assam Regiment
Navy: INS Trikand
Air Force: C‑130J Super Hercules
Seychelles Defence Forces: Host nation, archipelagic state of 155 islands
Geographical Highlight: Situated on the Mascarene Plateau, off the east coast of Africa, along major maritime trade routes
Strategic Initiative: Part of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework

Background & Context

LAMITIYE was launched in 2001 to foster defence cooperation between India and Seychelles, a small but strategically pivotal island nation in the western Indian Ocean.
The exercise focuses on sub‑conventional operations in semi‑urban environments, peacekeeping coordination, and the exchange of tactical skills and emerging military technologies.
The 2026 edition marked the first tri‑service involvement of India, reflecting deeper operational integration.

Significance for India & Governance

Maritime Security: Seychelles lies on the sea‑lane that carries a substantial share of India’s trade and energy imports; enhanced cooperation aids anti‑piracy, surveillance, and freedom of navigation.
Strategic Outreach: Reinforces India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) vis‑à‑vis other extra‑regional powers.
SAGAR Vision: Demonstrates India’s commitment to a secure, prosperous IOR through capacity building with littoral states.
Defense Diplomacy: Joint exercises serve as a platform for defence diplomacy, building trust, interoperability, and joint response mechanisms.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 73 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to legislate on defence and external affairs, providing the legal basis for defence agreements and joint exercises.
Article 74 mandates the Council of Ministers to aid and advise the President in the conduct of external affairs, under which such bilateral military engagements are coordinated.
India‑Seychelles Defence Cooperation Agreement (2015) – a bilateral pact that facilitates joint training, logistics support, and information sharing.

References

India–Seychelles relations – strategic partnership under SAGAR.
PIB releases on LAMITIYE‑2026.