Indian Air Force to host multinational disaster relief exercise 'Sahayata Setu' in Jamnagar

The Indian Air Force has organised a multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise named 'Sahayata Setu' at the Jamnagar Air Force Station from 17 to 19 November, according to a report by 'DeshGujarat'. This annual joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise 2026 (AJHE-26) will be held under the guidance of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and the South Western Air Command.

In this three-day exercise, besides the Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), friendly countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh will participate. The main objective of this exercise is to enhance collective preparedness against major disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, floods and chemical emergencies, strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve operational interoperability. The Air Force will demonstrate its strategic airlift capability and rapid response capability for the transport of relief material and personnel at the time of crisis.

In this event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is strongly likely to visit his home state and observe the exercise. Apart from this, Union ministers, Gujarat government officials, the Chief of Defence Staff, chiefs of the three services and other dignitaries may also remain present on this occasion. This exercise will promote technological innovation, international cooperation and a shared commitment towards disaster response.

Narendra Damodardas Modi has been serving as the Prime Minister of India since 26 May 2014. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 and is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He is India's third longest-serving Prime Minister.