India Donates Ship Spares to Seychelles Defence Forces Amid Joint Military Exercise

India on Wednesday donated ship spares to the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), reinforcing its MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision of fostering inclusive, cooperative, and sustainable security across the Indian Ocean region.

The donation was handed over by Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of INS Trikand, which is currently in Port Victoria to participate in the 11th edition of the biennial joint military exercise, Lamitiye-2026. The sea phase of the exercise commenced on Wednesday. Captain Kulkarni also met with Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette to discuss the Indian Navy’s ongoing involvement in the exercise, the High Commission of India in Seychelles reported on X.

An Indian Armed Forces contingent is stationed in Seychelles for the exercise, which runs from March 9 to 20 at the Seychelles Defence Academy. ‘Lamitiye’, meaning ‘friendship’ in Creole, has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001 as a biennial training event aimed at enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. This edition is notable for including personnel from all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces: the Army’s Assam Regiment, the Navy’s INS Trikand, and the Indian Air Force’s C-130 aircraft.

According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, Lamitiye-2026 focuses on sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments, as well as improving interoperability during peacekeeping missions. The exercise emphasizes joint training, tactical planning, and execution of operations to neutralize likely threats, while showcasing advanced equipment and technologies. Activities include field training exercises, combat discussions, case studies, lectures, and demonstrations, culminating in a two-day validation exercise.

The exercise aims to deepen mutual understanding between the armed forces of both countries and strengthen bilateral military relations. By promoting the exchange of skills, experiences, and best practices, the joint drills are expected to enhance operational synergy and preparedness. The Ministry of Defence highlighted that the collaboration “will contribute immensely in developing mutual understanding and magnify jointness between the troops of both nations.”

This engagement underscores India’s commitment to regional security and maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean and demonstrates the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Port Victoria. With joint exercises and material support such as the ship spares donation, both countries continue to consolidate ties and build capacity for coordinated responses to security challenges in the region.