Overview The Indian Armed Forces have dispatched a joint contingent to the Republic of Seychelles to take part in the eleventh edition of Exercise LAMITIYE‑2026 . The exercise, meaning “Friendship” in Creole, runs from 09‑20 March 2026 at the Seychelles Defence Academy and marks the first time all three Indian services are participating together. Key Developments Deployment of personnel from the ASSAM Regiment , along with assets from the Indian Navy and Air Force. Naval contribution includes INS Trikand . Air‑lift support provided by a C‑130 transport plane. Focus on Sub‑conventional Operations in semi‑urban settings and enhancing Peace Keeping Operations capabilities. Important Facts The 12‑day programme comprises field training exercises, combat discussions, case studies, lectures, demonstrations and culminates in a two‑day validation phase. Both nations will jointly plan and execute tactical drills aimed at neutralising threats typical of semi‑urban environments, while showcasing new generation equipment and technology. Since its inception in 2001, Exercise LAMITIYE has been a biennial platform for bilateral military cooperation, fostering interoperability, skill exchange and mutual understanding between the Indian and Seychellois forces. UPSC Relevance Understanding such joint exercises is crucial for GS II (Polity & International Relations) and GS III (Security & Defence). They illustrate India’s strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean Region, contribute to maritime security, and reinforce India’s role in regional peace‑keeping initiatives. The involvement of specific units like the ASSAM Regiment and assets such as INS Trikand showcases the integrated nature of modern Indian defence planning. Way Forward Future editions are likely to expand the scope of cooperation, potentially incorporating cyber‑warfare and maritime domain awareness components. Aspirants should monitor how such exercises feed into India’s broader “Neighbourhood First” policy and its strategic objectives in the Indian Ocean, especially in the context of emerging security challenges and the need for enhanced interoperability with partner nations.