The Indian Air Force will conduct a multinational Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, Exercise Sahayata Setu, at Air Force Station Jamnagar in Gujarat from November 17 to 19, 2026, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday, November 10.

Source: VNI News — IAF official statement

The exercise will be conducted under the guidance of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and Headquarters South Western Air Command (HQ SWAC), with the Indian Air Force leading operations within an integrated framework and in accordance with the directions of the Government of India, the statement said.

It will bring together Indian defence forces, national agencies and representatives from Friendly Foreign Countries. All India Radio reported that the three-day exercise will involve the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Coast Guard and the National Disaster Management Authority along with friendly foreign countries.

Source: All India Radio via CrackTarget

The aim, the statement said, is to enhance collective preparedness, improve interoperability among participating nations and agencies, and promote coordinated disaster response through technological innovation. It noted that disasters often transcend geographical boundaries, so timely assistance, effective coordination and seamless cooperation are essential to saving lives during emergencies.

The exercise is expected to be witnessed by the Prime Minister of India, Union Ministers, dignitaries from Gujarat, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs of the Indian defence forces, according to the statement. Their expected presence is presented by the organisers as highlighting the national significance of the exercise and India's commitment to international cooperation and disaster preparedness.

The statement underlined the Air Force's role in such operations, citing its strategic airlift capabilities, rapid response capacity and extensive experience in disaster relief operations in support of civil authorities.