INDIA-SEYCHELLES JOINT EXERCISE ‘LAMITIYE-2024’

1. On March 17, 2024, a contingent of the Indian Army departed for Seychelles to conduct a joint military exercise named 'LAMITIYE-2024' with the Seychelles Defense Forces (SDF).
2. The 10-day exercise starting from March 18 aims to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments.
3. The exercise is part of an important step towards improving bilateral military relations with the Indian Ocean Island nations.
4. The exercise will focus on enhancing interoperability in sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations.

Participating Forces

1. A contingent of 45 personnel from the Gorkha Rifles regiment of the Indian Army will join forces with the SDF for the exercise.
2. This marks the 10th edition of the biennial training event.
3. The event has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001.

Objectives of the Exercise

1. The primary objective of ‘LAMITIYE-2024’ is to:
   1. Build and promote bilateral military relations between India and Seychelles
   2. Exchange skills, experiences, and best practices between both armies
2. The exercise will contribute immensely to:
   1. Developing mutual understanding
   2. Magnifying jointness between the troops of both armies
   3. Fostering a collaborative partnership

Training Activities

1. During the exercise both sides will jointly carry out training, planning and tactical exercises.
2. The exercise will focus on neutralizing threats in semi-urban environments.
3. The joint exercise will include field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures and demonstrations.
4. The demonstrations will showcase new generation equipment and technology.
5. The exercise will conclude with a two-day 'verification exercise'.
6. Verification exercises are intended to test the skills and knowledge acquired during training.
7. The validation exercise will take place in a simulated operational scenario.

Significance of Seychelles

1. Seychelles is a strategically located archipelago of approximately 115 islands in the Indian Ocean region.
2. Despite a small landmass of 452 km² and a population of approximately 98,000, Seychelles holds immense geo-strategic importance.
3. Seychelles has been a strategic destination for several major powers with vested interests in the region since the Cold War era.
4. It is located at the crossroads of Africa, West Asia and India.

India’s Focus on Defence Cooperation

1. India has focused on significantly expanding defense cooperation with Seychelles in recent years.
2. India has provided assistance to Seychelles and other neighboring countries in the Indian Ocean as a first responder.
3. India has also helped develop an airstrip and a jetty on the Assumption Islands in Seychelles.

Countering Chinese Influence

1. China has been actively taking initiatives for infrastructure development in the Indian Ocean region, making it important for India to strengthen its ties with countries like Seychelles.
2. Recent incidents of hijacking attempts and drone attacks in the region have raised concerns over maritime trade, which is important for India, with 95% of its trade by volume and 68% by value moving by sea.
3. The Navy Chief recently stressed the importance of maritime trade for India's development, saying that the livelihood of every citizen is linked to the sea.

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