India's armed forces to hold mega disaster response drill in Jamnagar
The Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise 2026 aims to improve inter-agency coordination for emergencies like cyclones and earthquakes.
The Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and disaster management authorities will participate in the Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise 2026 (AJHE-26). According to The Times of India, the exercise is scheduled to take place at Air Force Station Jamnagar from November 17 to 19.
The drill will include the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), state disaster management authorities (SDMAs), and representatives from friendly foreign countries. The objective is to strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve operational interoperability for emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and chemical disasters.
The programme will feature a table-top exercise and a demonstration of capabilities for participating officials. Participants will discuss standard operating procedures (SOPs), roles, and responsibilities, while assessing air assets and resources available for relief operations.
The Indian Air Force's Rapid Action Medical Team will demonstrate the role of military medical units during emergencies. The exercise seeks to harmonise response procedures and establish a common understanding among all agencies and international partners to mobilise assistance more quickly.
India has a history of disaster response, including recent missions like Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka and Operation Brahma in Myanmar in 2025. Other notable operations include Operation Dost in Turkey and Syria, and Operation Kaveri in Sudan, all conducted in 2023.