India and Seychelles to hold military exercise ‘LAMITIYE’

[GS Paper 3 – Defence, GS Paper 2 – International Relations]

The Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) are conducting the ninth Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE 2022 at the Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA) in Seychelles from March 22 to March 31.

An infantry platoon strength each from both the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) along with Company Headquarters will be participating in this exercise which is aimed at sharing experiences gained during various operations against hostile forces in a semi-urban environment and enhance capability to undertake joint operations.

About the Exercise

• The exercise is a biennial training event which has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001.

• The objective of the joint training exercise is to build and promote bilateral military relations in addition to exchanging skills, experiences and good practices between both the armies.

• Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralization of likely threats that may be encountered in the semi urban environment, while exploiting and showcasing new generation equipment and technology for conducting joint operations.

Significance

• Exercise Lamitiye with Seychelles is crucial and significant in terms of security challenges faced by both the nations in the backdrop of current global situation and growing security concerns in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The 10-day joint exercise will include field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures and demonstrations. It will culminate with a two-day validation exercise.

India – Seychelles Defence Relations

• Seychelles is a strategically located island nation which sits astride the strategically important sea lanes of communication and holds significance for the Indian vision of “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region.”

• Diplomatic ties were established with Seychelles after its independence in 1976. When Seychelles attained freedom, a contingent from the Indian Naval Ship, INS Nilgiri, took part in the Independence Day celebrations.

• India and Seychelles have an elaborate architecture of defence and security cooperation that has deepened over the years with the growing piracy menace and other economic offences in the strategic Indian Ocean region.

• Developing infrastructure on Assumption Island in Seychelles is a key piece in India’s proactive maritime strategy as it counters China’s moves in the Indian Ocean region.

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