- Indian Air Force to lead three-day Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise from November 17–19
- Defence forces, national agencies and Friendly Foreign Countries to strengthen joint disaster-response capabilities
- Exercise to focus on interoperability, rapid response and technology-driven humanitarian operations
- Expected participation of Prime Minister, Union Ministers, CDS and Service Chiefs underscores its national significance
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 10
When disasters strike, the difference between survival and tragedy often lies in the speed of response, seamless coordination and the ability of nations to work together. Reinforcing this humanitarian imperative, Jamnagar in Gujarat is set to emerge as an international platform for disaster-response cooperation as India prepares to host the multinational Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise Sahayata Setu from November 17 to 19, 2026.
The Indian Defence Forces, under the guidance of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and Headquarters South Western Air Command (HQ SWAC), will conduct the exercise at Air Force Station Jamnagar in coordination with participating national agencies and Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
Planned at the direction of the Government of India, the three-day exercise will be conducted by the Indian Air Force under the aegis of HQ IDS within an integrated framework, bringing together participating nations and agencies to strengthen collective preparedness and improve coordinated responses to disasters.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen joint operational capabilities and promote technology-driven disaster-response mechanisms. It will also provide an important platform for sharing expertise, improving coordination and developing a common understanding of the challenges involved in delivering humanitarian assistance during emergencies.
The exercise is expected to be witnessed by the Prime Minister of India, Union Ministers, Gujarat dignitaries, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Service Chiefs of the Indian Defence Forces and other distinguished guests.
Their expected presence highlights the national significance attached to the exercise and India’s commitment to international cooperation, disaster preparedness and collective resilience.
IAF’s strategic airlift and rapid-response capabilities in focus
With disasters increasingly transcending geographical boundaries, timely assistance, effective coordination and seamless cooperation among nations and agencies have become critical to saving lives and minimising human suffering.
The Indian Air Force, with its strategic airlift capabilities, rapid-response capacity and extensive experience in disaster-relief operations, plays a pivotal role in supporting civil authorities and delivering humanitarian assistance during emergencies.
Sahayata Setu will provide an opportunity to strengthen these capabilities within a multinational and inter-agency framework, while reinforcing the importance of coordinated action in complex disaster situations.
Beyond military cooperation: A bridge of international solidarity
Beyond its operational objectives, the exercise is envisaged as a platform for fostering international friendship, solidarity and a shared sense of responsibility towards humanitarian service.
It reaffirms the participating nations’ commitment to operational excellence, international cooperation and collective disaster preparedness.
At its core, Sahayata Setu reinforces a compelling humanitarian message: disasters may disregard national boundaries, but preparedness, partnership and prompt action can unite nations in saving lives.
For Jamnagar and Gujarat, hosting this multinational exercise will place the state at the centre of an important international engagement focused not merely on defence preparedness, but also on humanitarian cooperation and collective resilience.