India, Myanmar Hold First-Ever Tri-Services HADR Exercise ‘Rahat Mitra’ in Chennai
The two day inaugural tri-services exercise in Chennai showcased coordinated humanitarian relief operations across land, sea and air, enhancing interoperability between the armed forces of both countries.
NEW DELHI, Nov 9: India and Myanmar have successfully completed their first bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, ‘Rahat Mitra’, in Chennai, marking a significant step towards strengthening defence cooperation and improving preparedness for natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
Conducted on November 5 and 6, the two-day exercise brought together personnel from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, alongside representatives of the Myanmar Defence Forces. The programme focused on sharing operational expertise, understanding disaster management procedures and developing effective coordination mechanisms for joint relief operations.
The exercise commenced with joint planning sessions and familiarisation activities, during which both sides discussed their respective HADR capabilities and operational approaches. A Table-Top Exercise (TTX), based on a severe cyclone scenario, provided an opportunity to examine possible emergency situations, formulate coordinated response strategies and discuss procedures for managing large-scale disasters.
The Myanmar delegation also observed demonstrations of the Indian Army’s obstacle clearance and bridge-laying capabilities. As part of the programme, the visiting officers toured INS Sukanya, where they were briefed on the Indian Navy’s shipborne humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.
On the second day, India’s defence forces presented a series of demonstrations highlighting their ability to conduct integrated disaster response operations across land, maritime and aerial domains.
INS Adyar and the Communication Network Centre in Chennai showcased shore-based disaster management arrangements and communication infrastructure essential for maintaining command and control during emergency situations. The Military Hospital, Chennai, demonstrated field medical triage procedures and facilities for establishing and managing disaster relief camps.
The Indian Navy’s Flood Relief Teams displayed specialised equipment and techniques used in flood rescue and relief operations. Maritime search and rescue capabilities were also demonstrated through coordinated manoeuvres involving a Chetak helicopter and INS Bitra, highlighting the Navy’s preparedness for emergency maritime operations.
The Indian Air Force presented its casualty evacuation capabilities, demonstrating how air assets can support rapid medical assistance and the transportation of injured personnel during disasters. Commodore Aung Niang Win, along with two other Myanmar officers, participated in airborne operations aboard an Indian Air Force Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
The exercise offered both countries an opportunity to understand each other’s operational procedures, exchange technical knowledge and strengthen coordination among their military establishments.
The successful conclusion of ‘Rahat Mitra’ is expected to contribute to closer defence engagement between India and Myanmar, particularly in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and emergency response. It also underlined the importance of regional cooperation and coordinated military capabilities in addressing natural calamities and other humanitarian challenges.
