India and Myanmar have successfully 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 disaster-response preparedness between the two neighbouring countries.
The two-day exercise was conducted on November 5 and 6, 2026, bringing together more than 300 personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, alongside a delegation from the Myanmar Defence Forces.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Successful conclusion of the inaugural India–Myanmar tri-services humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief exercise, RAHAT MITRA.
Location: India.
Authority/Organisation: Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Myanmar Defence Forces.
Action Taken: Conducted joint disaster-response planning and demonstrations involving land, maritime and aerial operations.
Impact: Strengthened bilateral defence cooperation, operational understanding and preparedness for humanitarian emergencies.
The exercise was coordinated under the aegis of the Indian Navy and centred on the theme, “Together for Humanity, Stronger through Partnership”. Its primary objectives were to strengthen bilateral cooperation, improve operational coordination and exchange practical experience in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The programme began with joint planning sessions and familiarisation with the disaster-response capabilities of both countries. A Table-Top Exercise based on a severe cyclone scenario allowed participants to discuss emergency coordination, disaster-management procedures and mechanisms for responding to large-scale natural disasters.
The participating delegations also witnessed the Indian Army's obstacle-clearance and bridge-laying demonstrations. These capabilities are particularly important during disasters when damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure can prevent relief teams from reaching affected communities.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Natural disasters frequently require rapid coordination between military, civilian authorities and emergency-response organisations. Cyclones, floods and infrastructure damage can disrupt transportation, communications and access to essential services. In such circumstances, military capabilities can support evacuation, rescue, medical assistance and delivery of relief supplies. RAHAT MITRA provides India and Myanmar with an opportunity to understand each other's operational procedures and improve coordination before an actual emergency occurs. The exercise also highlights the growing importance of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as a component of regional security cooperation.
The Myanmar delegation visited INS Sukanya to understand the Indian Navy's shipborne humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief capabilities.
On the second day, the Indian Defence Forces demonstrated coordinated disaster-response capabilities across land, sea and air domains.
INS Adyar and the Communication Network Centre in Chennai showcased shore-based disaster-response arrangements and emergency communication infrastructure. These systems support command, control and coordination during complex relief operations.
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 also showcased specialised equipment and operational capabilities used in flood-response situations.
Maritime search-and-rescue capabilities were demonstrated through coordinated manoeuvres involving a Chetak helicopter and INS Bitra.
The Indian Air Force demonstrated casualty-evacuation operations using an Advanced Light Helicopter. Commodore Aung Niang Win and two other officers from the Myanmar delegation participated in the airborne demonstration.
The exercise provided both defence forces with an opportunity to understand each other's operational procedures, exchange best practices and improve coordination during emergency situations.
India and Myanmar are located in a region exposed to multiple natural hazards, including cyclones, floods and other emergencies. Effective cooperation between their armed forces can improve the ability to coordinate humanitarian assistance when disasters affect communities and critical infrastructure.
The conclusion of RAHAT MITRA therefore represents more than a military engagement. It establishes a practical platform for cooperation in humanitarian operations and strengthens the disaster-response dimension of India–Myanmar defence relations.
