Exercise RAHAT MITRA: India-Myanmar Joint HADR Drill

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Key takeaways

India and Myanmar completed their first bilateral tri-services HADR exercise named RAHAT MITRA in Chennai.
More than 300 personnel participated under the theme “Together for Humanity, Stronger through Partnership”.
The operational drill featured multi-domain maneuvers involving INS Sukanya, INS Bitra, Chetak helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH).
This exercise reinforces key regional strategy frameworks including India's Neighbourhood First policy, Act East policy, and the SAGAR vision.

India and Myanmar successfully concluded their inaugural bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, RAHAT MITRA.
The joint exercise was hosted in Chennai, Tamil Nadu under the aegis of the Indian Navy.

The exercise was themed “Together for Humanity, Stronger through Partnership” and involved over 300 personnel from the defense forces of both nations.
It marked the first-ever bilateral, tri-services drill conducted across land, air, and maritime domains between India and Myanmar.
Participants conducted a Table-Top Exercise (TTX) based on a severe cyclone scenario to focus on joint planning, operational command-and-control protocols, and coordinated institutional responses.
The Indian Army showcased land and engineering capabilities, including rapid obstacle clearance and specialized bridge-laying maneuvers.
Naval and amphibious HADR operations featured maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) drills using INS Sukanya, INS Bitra, Chetak helicopter, and specialized naval Flood Relief Teams (FRT).
Airborne casualty evacuation drills were performed using Indian Air Force Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), alongside field medical triage setups by Military Hospital, Chennai.

The exercise significantly enhances India-Myanmar defense ties and strengthens operational interoperability for joint disaster management.
It builds institutional capability to enable rapid and coordinated responses to frequent natural hazards across shared littoral spaces.
The initiative reinforces India's Neighbourhood First policy, Act East policy, and the MAHASAGAR/SAGAR vision for regional security and growth.