India and Myanmar conclude first joint tri-services disaster relief exercise in Chennai
Exercise RAHAT MITRA brought together the armed forces of both countries to demonstrate coordinated humanitarian assistance capabilities across land, sea and air, strengthening regional disaster response preparedness.
Conducted on November 5 and 6, the two-day exercise brought together personnel from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, along with a delegation from the Myanmar Defence Forces.
CHENNAI: India and Myanmar have concluded their first bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, RAHAT MITRA, in Chennai, marking a new step in defence cooperation and joint preparedness for disaster response operations.
Conducted on November 5 and 6, the two-day exercise brought together personnel from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, along with a delegation from the Myanmar Defence Forces. It focused on improving operational interoperability, strengthening coordination and exchanging best practices in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The exercise provided an opportunity for both countries to familiarise themselves with each other’s capabilities, procedures and response mechanisms for managing natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
Joint planning and disaster response familiarisation
The first day began with joint planning sessions and familiarisation with HADR capabilities. A Table-Top Exercise (TTX), based on a severe cyclone scenario, enabled participants to discuss coordinated response mechanisms and joint disaster management protocols.
The Myanmar delegation also witnessed demonstrations of obstacle clearance and bridge-laying capabilities by the Indian Army and visited INS Sukanya to understand the Indian Navy’s shipborne disaster relief capabilities.
Multi-domain HADR capabilities demonstrated
On the second day, Indian Defence Forces demonstrated coordinated disaster response 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 supporting command and control during emergencies.
Military Hospital, Chennai, demonstrated field medical triage procedures and the coordinated management of disaster relief camps.
The Indian Navy’s Flood Relief Teams demonstrated specialised equipment and capabilities for flood response operations. Maritime search and rescue capabilities were showcased through coordinated manoeuvres involving a Chetak helicopter and INS Bitra.
The Indian Air Force demonstrated casualty evacuation capabilities using an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). Commodore Aung Niang Win and two other officers from the Myanmar delegation were onboard the aircraft during the airborne demonstration.
Strengthening regional disaster preparedness
Exercise RAHAT MITRA provided a platform for the armed forces of both countries to exchange operational experiences, share best practices and improve mutual understanding of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural exercise reinforces India and Myanmar’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and collective preparedness for natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
The initiative also highlights the importance of regional cooperation in responding to disasters that can affect multiple countries, particularly in a region exposed to cyclones, floods and other natural hazards.
