The inaugural bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise ‘RAHAT MITRA’, conducted between the Defence Forces of India and Myanmar on 05 and 06 Nov 2026, concluded at Chennai. The two-day exercise brought together personnel from the Indian Navy, Indian Army and Indian Air Force, along with a delegation from the Myanmar Defence Forces, to enhance operational interoperability, improve coordination and facilitate the exchange of Best Practices in disaster response operations.
The exercise commenced with a focus on joint planning and familiarisation with HADR capabilities. A Table-Top Exercise (TTX), based on a severe cyclone scenario, facilitated discussions on coordinated response mechanisms and joint disaster management protocols. The participating contingents also witnessed demonstrations of obstacle clearance and bridge-laying capabilities by the Indian Army and visited INS Sukanya to gain insights into the Indian Navy’s shipborne HADR capabilities. (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2333709 )
On the second day, the participating contingents witnessed demonstrations of multi-domain HADR capabilities by the Indian Defence Forces, highlighting coordinated response mechanisms across maritime, land and air domains. INS Adyar and Communication Network Centre, Chennai, showcased shore-based disaster response arrangements and communication infrastructure supporting command and control during emergencies. Military Hospital, Chennai, demonstrated field medical triage and the coordinated management of disaster relief camps.
The Indian Navy’s Flood Relief Teams (FRT) demonstrated specialised equipment and capabilities for flood relief operations. Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities were also showcased through coordinated manoeuvres involving a Chetak helicopter and INS Bitra. The Indian Air Force demonstrated casualty evacuation capabilities, with Commodore Aung Niang Win and two officers of the Myanmar delegation onboard an IAF ALH during airborne operations.
Exercise ‘RAHAT MITRA’ provided an important platform for the Defence Forces of both countries to exchange operational experiences, share Best Practices and enhance mutual understanding in planning and executing HADR operations. The exercise also facilitated familiarisation with each other’s capabilities and procedures, contributing to improved coordination during disaster response operations.
The successful culmination of the inaugural exercise reinforces the commitment of India and Myanmar to advancing bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing collective preparedness for disaster response. It also underscores the shared resolve of both nations to contribute to regional stability, maritime cooperation and effective HADR.
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