The Tenth Edition of the Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024”, a biennial, limited war exercise, will be conducted in Seychelles from 18th to 27th March 2024. This event will involve 45 Indian Army personnel from the Gorkha Rifles and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
Throughout the 10-day exercise, both parties will engage in collaborative training, strategic planning, and execution of a series of well-developed tactical drills to address potential threats in semi-urban settings. They will demonstrate cutting-edge equipment and technology.
The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments, as per the United Nations Charter’s Chapter 7 mandates for peacekeeping operations.
The joint exercise aims to strengthen bilateral military relations and facilitate the exchange of operational expertise, combat experiences, and best practices between the armies.
The exercise will consist of Field Training Exercises (FTX), comprehensive discussions, lectures, and demonstrations, culminating in a two-day Validation Exercise (VEX). This collaborative effort will contribute significantly to the development of mutual understanding and jointness among the troops of both armies. Furthermore, it will foster a professional partnership and enable the sharing of best practices between the two sides, promoting a fair and positive working relationship.
Seychelles’ proximity serves as a vital base in India’s efforts to combat maritime terrorism and piracy within the IOR. The defence ties between India and Seychelles are robust, and this joint exercise symbolises the long-standing friendship between the two nations since 2001.
The strategic importance of Seychelles in the IOR can be attributed to its geographical location and the changing dynamics of the region. In the face of increasing Chinese activity in the IOR, which poses potential challenges to India’s interests, Seychelles serves as a crucial base for India to maintain a strong maritime presence and ensure security in the region. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China’s expanding naval presence have raised concerns in India about the encroachment on its traditional sphere of influence and the security of critical sea lanes.
The presence of a Chinese spy vessel in the IOR, adds to India’s security concerns. The recent delivery of a spy ship developed by China to Pakistan could enhance Pakistan’s surveillance capabilities in the region, emphasizing the importance of robust ties with countries like Seychelles for India. The bilateral ties between India and Seychelles have been marked by cooperation in defence, security, and maritime domain awareness. The joint military exercises, such as LAMITIYE, serve as a testament to this cooperation, fostering interoperability and mutual understanding between the armed forces of both nations. These ties facilitate the exchange of best practices and expertise, which can be beneficial for both countries in addressing shared challenges and ensuring regional stability.
Team Bharatshakti
