Exercise: NATO and India Launch Major Military s in March 2026
NATO Begins Cold Response Exercise
NATO has launched its biennial Arctic military exercise, Cold Response, on March 9, 2026, with approximately 25,000 troops from 14 nations participating. The exercise is set to run until March 19, 2026, and will see the deployment of around 4,000 US troops, underscoring the alliance’s commitment to collective defense in the Arctic region.
India and Seychelles Conduct Exercise Lamitiye
Simultaneously, India and Seychelles have commenced the 11th edition of their military exercise, known as Lamitiye, which translates to “friendship” in the Creole language. This exercise began on the same day, March 9, 2026, and will conclude on March 20, 2026. Exercise Lamitiye has been a biennial training event in Seychelles since 2001, marking a significant collaboration between the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
This edition of Exercise Lamitiye is notable for the participation of all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting the growing military ties between India and Seychelles.
Concerns in Belagavi
In a related context, BJP MLA Abhay Patil has raised concerns regarding the Election Commission of India’s electors mapping exercise in Belagavi. Patil reported that only around 20% of the names have been mapped in the last three months, with approximately 60,000 names omitted from the first round of mapping in the Belagavi South constituency. He stated, “I think only around 20% of the names have been mapped in the last three months in Belagavi city,” calling the situation “unacceptable.”
As these military exercises unfold, observers are closely monitoring the implications for international defense cooperation and regional security dynamics. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the outcomes of these exercises and their impact on future military collaborations.
