India-Myanmar inaugural tri-services HADR exercise ‘RAHAT MITRA’ concludes in Chennai

The inaugural bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise between India and Myanmar, ‘RAHAT MITRA’, concluded in Chennai on November 6 after a two-day engagement involving the defence forces of both countries.

Conducted on November 5 and 6, 2026, the exercise brought together personnel from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, along with a delegation from the Myanmar Defence Forces, to strengthen operational interoperability, improve coordination and facilitate the exchange of best practices in disaster response operations.

The exercise began with joint planning sessions and familiarisation with HADR capabilities. A Table-Top Exercise (TTX), based on a severe cyclone scenario, provided an opportunity for participants to discuss coordinated response mechanisms and joint disaster management protocols.

The participating delegations 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 humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.

On the second day, the contingents witnessed demonstrations of India’s multi-domain HADR capabilities, highlighting coordinated disaster response operations 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. The Military Hospital in Chennai demonstrated field medical triage procedures and the coordinated management of disaster relief camps.

The Indian Navy’s Flood Relief Teams (FRT) also demonstrated specialised equipment and capabilities for flood relief operations.

Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities were 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 other officers from the Myanmar delegation onboard an IAF Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) during airborne operations.

The exercise provided a platform for the defence forces of both countries to exchange operational experiences, share best practices and strengthen mutual understanding of HADR planning and execution procedures.

The successful conclusion of ‘RAHAT MITRA’ marks an important step in strengthening India-Myanmar defence cooperation and enhancing joint preparedness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The exercise also underscores the commitment of both countries to promoting regional stability, maritime cooperation and coordinated responses to natural disasters.

-PIB

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