The inaugural bilateral Tri-Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise 'RAHAT MITRA' between the Defence Forces of India and Myanmar concluded at Chennai after being conducted on November 5-6, 2026. The two-day exercise brought together personnel from the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force along with a delegation from the Myanmar Defence Forces to enhance operational interoperability, improve coordination, and facilitate exchange of best practices in disaster response operations.
The exercise commenced with joint planning and familiarization with HADR capabilities, including a Table-Top Exercise based on a severe cyclone scenario that facilitated discussions on coordinated response mechanisms and joint disaster management protocols. Participants witnessed demonstrations of obstacle clearance and bridge-laying capabilities by the Indian Army and visited INS Sukanya to gain insights into the Indian Navy's shipborne HADR capabilities.
On the second day, the contingents witnessed demonstrations of multi-domain HADR capabilities highlighting coordinated response mechanisms across maritime, land, and air domains. INS Adyar and Communication Network Centre, Chennai showcased shore-based disaster response arrangements and communication infrastructure supporting command and control during emergencies. Military Hospital, Chennai demonstrated field medical triage and coordinated management of disaster relief camps.
The Indian Navy's Flood Relief Teams demonstrated specialized equipment and capabilities for flood relief operations, while Maritime Search and Rescue capabilities were showcased through coordinated maneuvers involving a Chetak helicopter and INS Bitra. The Indian Air Force demonstrated casualty evacuation capabilities with Commodore Aung Niang Win and two officers of the Myanmar delegation onboard an IAF ALH during airborne operations.
The exercise provided a platform for both countries' defence forces to exchange operational experiences, share best practices, and enhance mutual understanding in planning and executing HADR operations. The successful culmination reinforces the commitment of India and Myanmar to advancing bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing collective preparedness for disaster response, underscoring their shared resolve to contribute to regional stability and maritime cooperation.