10 November 2026 Ahmedabad: The Indian Air Force will conduct a multinational Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, titled ‘Exercise Sahayata Setu’, at Air Force Station Jamnagar in Gujarat from November 17 to 19, 2026.
The exercise will be organised under the guidance of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and Headquarters South Western Air Command (HQ SWAC), in coordination with participating national agencies and Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). The Indian Air Force will conduct the exercise under the aegis of HQ IDS as part of an integrated framework, following the directions of the Government of India.
The primary objective of Exercise Sahayata Setu is to strengthen collective disaster preparedness, enhance interoperability among participating forces and agencies, and promote coordinated emergency response through technological innovation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to witness the exercise along with Union Ministers, dignitaries from Gujarat, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Service Chiefs of the Indian Defence Forces and other distinguished guests.
The exercise assumes significance as natural disasters and emergencies often transcend geographical boundaries, making timely assistance and effective coordination among nations essential for saving lives.
With its strategic airlift capabilities, rapid response capacity and extensive experience in disaster relief operations, the Indian Air Force plays a crucial role in supporting civil authorities and delivering humanitarian assistance during emergencies.
Beyond its operational objectives, the multinational exercise is also expected to strengthen international friendship, solidarity and cooperation among participating countries. It will reinforce the shared commitment to humanitarian service, operational preparedness and collective resilience.
Through Exercise Sahayata Setu, India aims to highlight the importance of international partnerships, technological innovation and prompt coordinated action in responding effectively to disasters.
