India Seychelles Joint Military Exercise Lamitiye
Source:Indian Express ↗
Why It Matters
Joint military exercises are frequently tested in Prelims, while India's strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean Region forms a core component of GS2 International Relations and GS3 Security. The upgrade to a tri-services drill reflects India's evolving defence diplomacy.
Summary
The 11th edition of 'Lamitiye', a joint military exercise between India and Seychelles, has commenced, notably featuring a tri-services drill for the first time. The exercise, whose name means 'friendship' in Seychelles Creole, involves personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force alongside the Seychelles Defence Forces. Held biennially since 2001, the drill emphasizes sub-conventional operations and peacekeeping. It reflects the strengthening defence cooperation and strategic partnership between the two nations, highlighting shared commitments to capacity building and collective security in the geopolitically critical Indian Ocean Region.
Key Points
- The 11th edition of the 'Lamitiye' joint military exercise between India and Seychelles has commenced, held biennially since 2001.
- For the first time, it has been upgraded to a tri-services drill involving the Indian Army (Southern Command), Indian Navy (INS Trikand), and Indian Air Force (C-130 aircraft).
- The military drill primarily focuses on sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments and UN peacekeeping missions.
- This engagement enhances interoperability and underscores the deepening defence cooperation and collective security objectives within the Indian Ocean Region.
Important Terms
Exercise Lamitiye
A biennial joint military exercise between India and Seychelles, initiated in 2001. Meaning 'Friendship' in Creole, the 2026 11th edition marks the first-ever tri-service participation focusing on interoperability and counter-insurgency.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Bilateral Relations); tests knowledge of joint drills, maritime diplomacy, and India’s 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF)
The national military organization of the Republic of Seychelles, comprising the Army, Coast Guard, and Air Force. It partners extensively with India for maritime surveillance, anti-piracy, and capacity building.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (International Relations); relevant for security partnerships with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Western Indian Ocean.
Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
A strategic maritime zone encompassing the waters between Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is critical for global trade, energy security, and India’s 'Net Security Provider' role.
UPSC context
GS Paper II & III (Geopolitics & Internal Security); core to maritime domain awareness and countering regional hegemonies.
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
India’s strategic vision (launched 2015) for maritime cooperation, focusing on collective security, sustainability, and economic growth among littoral and island nations in the Indian Ocean.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Foreign Policy); tests understanding of India’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific and maritime diplomacy.
Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
A regional security grouping comprising India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Seychelles. It focuses on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cyber security in the IOR.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (International Institutions); reflects regional integration and collective security mechanisms in the maritime neighborhood.
Sub-conventional Operations
Military actions lower than full-scale conventional war, including counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping. They often involve urban combat and tactical drills to neutralize asymmetrical threats.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Internal Security/Defence); tests understanding of modern warfare types and Indian military doctrine.
Prelims Trap
Exercise Lamitiye is an annual bilateral naval exercise between India and Seychelles.
It is a biennial (not annual) exercise, and starting with its 11th edition, it is a tri-services drill, not exclusively a naval or army exercise.
Static Concepts Connected
Why is Seychelles strategically critical for India's maritime security?
- Western IOR location: Situated near vital Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) connecting the Middle East to Asia.
- SAGAR Doctrine: Acts as a primary node in India's 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' vision.
- Strategic balancing: Crucial for anti-piracy operations and counteracting the growing Chinese naval footprint in the Western IOR.
Which other bilateral military exercises involve Indian tri-services?
- Tiger Triumph: A comprehensive tri-services exercise conducted between India and the United States.
- Indra: A joint tri-services military exercise conducted between India and Russia.
- Konkan Shakti: The maiden tri-services exercise held between the armed forces of India and the UK.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Island Diplomacy & String of Pearls
Upgraded drills in Seychelles act as a strategic counterbalance to China's increasing dual-use facilities in the Indian Ocean, linking defence exercises directly to maritime geopolitics.
UN Peacekeeping as Soft Power
Focusing on UN missions allows India to train Global South militaries, reinforcing its historic legacy as a top UN troop contributor and deepening defence diplomacy.
Expect a 'match the following' Prelims question pairing recent tri-services exercises (Lamitiye, Tiger Triumph) with partner nations.
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2024MainsGS2
Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition ?
- 2024PrelimsGS1
Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). 3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. 4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. Select the answer using the code given below :
