India and Myanmar hold inaugural Rahat Mitra HADR exercise in Chennai
The two-day bilateral exercise aimed to improve coordination and exchange best practices in disaster response operations between the two nations.
India and Myanmar conducted the inaugural bilateral tri-services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise Rahat Mitra in Chennai on November 5-6, according to Telangana Today. The exercise involved personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, alongside a delegation from the Myanmar Defence Forces.
The two-day programme focused on enhancing operational interoperability and facilitating the exchange of best practices for disaster response. It began with joint planning and a Table-Top Exercise based on a severe cyclone scenario to discuss coordinated response mechanisms and disaster management protocols.
During the event, the Indian Army demonstrated obstacle clearance and bridge-laying capabilities, while the Indian Navy showcased shipborne capabilities at INS Sukanya. The Indian Navy’s Flood Relief Teams also demonstrated specialised equipment for flood relief operations.
The exercise included maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) manoeuvres involving a Chetak helicopter and INS Bitra. Additionally, the Indian Air Force demonstrated casualty evacuation capabilities, with Commodore Aung Niang Win and two officers from the Myanmar delegation participating in airborne operations on an IAF ALH.
Other demonstrations included shore-based disaster response arrangements at INS Adyar and the Communication Network Centre, Chennai. The Military Hospital, Chennai, also demonstrated field medical triage and the management of disaster relief camps.