Precision and partnership defined the ‘Lamitiye 2026′ joint military exercise as Indian MARCOS and Seychelles Defence Forces stormed a simulated hijacked ship, securing it through expert boarding and control operations. This 11th edition, running from March 9 to 20 in Seychelles, proves the duo’s readiness for complex maritime threats.
Centered on Praslin Island, the drill simulated amphibious incursions via sea, UAV monitoring, rapid raids, and medical extractions. The climax: a 72-hour high-intensity test that pushed endurance and teamwork to the edge. INS Trikand from the Indian Navy anchored the sea-based efforts, enabling integrated land-sea maneuvers.
Key elements included setting up a unified command post, besieging semi-urban zones for searches, and executing pinpoint strikes. These fostered deep interoperability, operational harmony, and confidence between the forces’ coast guard, air wing, special ops, and naval units.
Rooted in the Creole word for friendship, Lamitiye symbolizes deepening India-Seychelles defense bonds. It addresses semi-urban and maritime security challenges head-on, refining tactics, tech, and protocols for the Indian Ocean’s dynamic environment.
Military leaders emphasized its role in promoting regional peace, stability, and excellence. With successful validation of joint strategies, this exercise equips both nations to counter piracy, smuggling, and insurgencies more effectively, solidifying their strategic alliance.