Seychelles -- India conducts 8th ‘Lamitye’ military exercise Joint military exercise ends on high note |05 March 2018
The Seychelles and Indian military concluded their eight joint ‘Lamitye’ military exercise on Saturday with a live demonstration of a hostage rescue operation at Cap Ternay.
The biennale military exercise was initiated in 2001 with the aim of -- as its name ‘Lamitye’ indicates -- strengthening bonds of friendship between Seychelles and India.
The demonstration, involving personnel from the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) and Indian Gorkha Rifles, was staged for the benefit of the media and the Indian high commissioner (HC) to the Seychelles, Dr Ausaf Sayeed.
This followed one week of theoretical and practical training, from February 24 to March 3, where both sides were able to exchange tactics, plan and exercise through a comprehensive programme.
The rescue operation involved a scenario whereby pirates had captured and seized a man onboard a ship and held him hostage in one of the abandoned buildings at Cap Ternay.
Consequently the mock operation went into full effect where the military officers established a surveillance post of the area and prepared for an ambush.
The military exercise saw the participation of all units in the SPDF including the Seychelles Air Force who conducted air surveillance, the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Special Forces Unit.
SPDF’s Lieutenant Colonel Jean Attala said this eighth military exercise, rooted in anti-piracy and anti-terrorism tactics, is important in order to condition the local military with how their Indian ally operates in case of future joint operations.
“Each country has its own unique and different way of conducting their operations thus being exposed to these is beneficial to the SPDF because we can evaluate which of their techniques can be adapted to our local context. It also helps us to develop our own standard operating procedures.”
Lieutenant Sandy Moncherry, who participated as platoon commander of the SPDF contingent, added that, for the first time, new recruits of the SPDF were also able to participate and gain experience from the Indo-Seychelles military training.
“Even in their seventh week of training, the recruits have given their best and displayed a great amount of devotion and dedication,” Lieutenant Moncherry stated.
On his side Major Samar Pal of the 4th Battalion 3rd Gorkha Rifles from the Southern Command, said that the rescue operation showcased how both troops can successfully plan an operation together.
The staged operation was followed by an official closing ceremony at the Seychelles Defence Academy at Ile Perseverance where HC Sayeed and deputy Chief of Defence Forces Clifford Roseline delivered their closing remarks.
Dr Sayeed remarked: “This exercise has added another chapter to the rich history of defence cooperation between SPDF and the Indian army. It is a cooperation that dates back to the 1980s and, since then, these bonds have grown from strength to strength.”
This was a sentiment that was also shared by Colonel Roseline during his speech.
The day ended on a high note with exchanges of tokens and gifts as well as with refreshments.
Exchange of mementoes
