New Delhi: The inaugural bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, RAHAT MITRA, between the Defence Forces of India and Myanmar concluded in Chennai on 6 November 2026.
Conducted on 5 and 6 November, the exercise brought together personnel from the Indian Navy, Indian Army and Indian Air Force, along with a delegation from the Myanmar Defence Forces. It focused on improving operational interoperability, strengthening coordination and sharing best practices in disaster response.
Exercise Begins with Joint Planning and Cyclone Scenario
The first day focused on joint planning and familiarisation with the HADR capabilities of both countries. A Table-Top Exercise (TTX), based on a severe cyclone scenario, enabled participants to discuss coordinated response mechanisms and joint disaster management protocols.
The visiting delegation also witnessed demonstrations of obstacle clearance and bridge-laying capabilities by the Indian Army. It visited INS Sukanya to understand the Indian Navy's shipborne HADR capabilities.
Indian Armed Forces Showcase Multi-Domain Response Capabilities
On the second day, the Indian Defence Forces demonstrated their HADR capabilities across maritime, land and air domains.
INS Adyar and the Communication Network Centre in Chennai showcased shore-based disaster response arrangements and communication infrastructure used for command and control during emergencies.
Military Hospital, Chennai, demonstrated field medical triage and arrangements for the coordinated management of disaster relief camps.
The Indian Navy's Flood Relief Teams (FRT) displayed specialised equipment and capabilities for flood relief operations. Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities were also demonstrated through coordinated manoeuvres involving a Chetak helicopter and INS Bitra.
The Indian Air Force showcased casualty evacuation operations. Commodore Aung Niang Win and two other officers from the Myanmar delegation were onboard an IAF Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) during the airborne demonstration.
Exercise Strengthens India-Myanmar Defence Cooperation
RAHAT MITRA provided a platform for the armed forces of both countries to exchange operational experiences, share best practices and develop a better understanding of each other's procedures and capabilities in disaster response.
The successful completion of the first edition marks another step in India-Myanmar defence cooperation and reflects both countries' commitment to improving preparedness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
