India-Sri Lanka
What is Mitra Shakti? Indian defence forces contingent departs for Sri Lanka
A 170-member Indian Defence Forces contingent departed for Sri Lanka on Friday to participate in the 12th edition of the India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise, 'Mitra Shakti 2026'.
The 14-day exercise will be conducted at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka, from November 13 to 26, 2026.
The Indian contingent comprises personnel primarily from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with troops from other arms and services and personnel from the Indian Air Force.
The exercise aims to enhance the joint operational capabilities of the Indian and Sri Lankan armies to conduct counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under a United Nations mandate.
'Mitra Shakti' is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka. It provides an important platform for the two armies to strengthen interoperability, exchange operational experiences and share best practices in counter-terrorism operations while fostering mutual understanding and professional camaraderie.
The 14-day training programme will focus on improving physical fitness, refining tactical drills and enhancing coordination between the participating contingents.
The training will include joint planning, rehearsals of tactical operations and specialised combat skills such as roadblock operations, urban patrolling, vehicle convoy protection, area ambushes, crowd dispersal and combined arms operations against fortified positions.
The exercise will culminate in a comprehensive validation exercise, during which both contingents will jointly demonstrate the tactics, techniques and procedures practised during the training.
"Exercise Mitra Shakti 2026 will further strengthen defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, reinforce the longstanding bonds of friendship and mutual trust between the two nations and contribute towards regional peace, stability and security," the Indian government said in a statement.
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