New Delhi, November 9: The inaugural India–Myanmar bilateral tri-services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, Rahat Mitra, concluded in Chennai after two days on 5 and 6 November, the Ministry of Defence said.
The exercise brought together personnel from the Indian Navy, Army and Air Force and a delegation from Myanmar’s defence forces. Its stated aims were to improve interoperability and coordination and to exchange best practices in disaster response.
Day one: planning and a cyclone scenario
The first day began with joint planning and familiarisation with HADR capabilities. A table-top exercise based on a severe cyclone scenario covered coordinated response and joint disaster-management protocols. The Indian Army demonstrated obstacle clearance and bridge-laying, and participants visited INS Sukanya to see the Navy’s shipborne HADR capabilities.
Day two: live demonstrations
On the second day the contingents watched multi-domain demonstrations across maritime, land and air. INS Adyar and the Communication Network Centre in Chennai showed shore-based disaster response and the communications that support command and control. Military Hospital, Chennai, demonstrated field triage and the management of relief camps, and Navy Flood Relief Teams displayed specialised equipment.
A maritime search and rescue demonstration used a Chetak helicopter and INS Bitra. The Indian Air Force demonstrated casualty evacuation, and Commodore Aung Niang Win and two other Myanmar officers flew on board an IAF Advanced Light Helicopter during airborne operations.
Wider purpose
The ministry said the exercise reinforces both countries’ commitment to bilateral defence cooperation and collective disaster preparedness, and supports regional stability and maritime cooperation.
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