INS Trikand in Seychelles: Enhancing Regional Security Through Exercise Lamitiye 2026
In a significant step towards bolstering
regional maritime security
and strengthening bilateral ties, Indian Naval Ship INS Trikand
, a stealth frigate
, recently concluded an enriching port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles
. This visit was marked by its active participation in the maiden tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026
, a joint military exercise between India and Seychelles. For the first time, the exercise saw combined participation from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force alongside the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF)
, signifying a deeper level of defense cooperation.
Exercise Lamitiye 2026
Maiden Tri-Services Edition
INS Trikand
Stealth Frigate (Indian Navy)
Seychelles
Port Victoria & Praslin Island
Key Initiatives & Strategic Focus
Exercise Lamitiye 2026
, meaning ‘friendship’ in Creole, focused on enhancing interoperability
and maritime cooperation through comprehensive training phases.
🏛️ Joint Operations
The exercise, spanning both harbour and sea phases, provided a platform for the Indian Armed Forces and the SDF to operate together seamlessly. Senior officers witnessed the sea phase, emphasizing high-level commitment.
👩🏽🌾 Capability Building
The harbour phase included extensive
Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS)
training. INS Trikand also handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Seychelles Government to support operational readiness.🔄 Tactical Execution
•
INS Trikand exercised with SCGS Le Vigilant.
•
Joint boarding operations executed by Indian Marine Commandos and SDF Special Forces.
•
Coordinated landing of Army troops on
Praslin Island
.
The successful conduct reinforces India’s commitment to its vision of
MAHASAGAR
. It highlights the Indian Navy's role as the Preferred Security Partner
and First Responder in the IOR.
UPSC CSE Quiz
1. With reference to India’s maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), consider the following statements regarding the vision of ‘MAHASAGAR’:
1. It is an acronym that stands for Maritime and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region.
2. It focuses solely on expanding India's naval fleet and bases in the IOR.
3. It emphasizes mutual advancement and holistic security cooperation with regional partners.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 3 only ✓
D) 1, 2, and 3
Source Information
PIB (Ministry of Defence)
