A 170-member Indian Defence Forces contingent left for Sri Lanka on Friday to participate in the 12th edition of the India–Sri Lanka joint military exercise ‘MITRA SHAKTI 2026.’ The exercise is scheduled to be conducted at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, from November 13 to 26.
The Indian contingent is drawn mainly 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 military capability of both armies to undertake counter terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under a United Nations mandate. Exercise ‘MITRA SHAKTI’ is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka. The exercise provides an important platform for both armies to strengthen interoperability, exchange operational experiences and share best practices in conducting counter terrorism operations, while promoting mutual understanding and professional camaraderie.
The 14-day exercise will focus on enhancing physical fitness, refining tactical drills and improving coordination between the participating contingents. The training programme will encompass joint planning, rehearsing tactical operations and specialised combat skills including roadblock operations, urban patrolling, vehicle convoy protection, area ambush and combined arms operations against fortified positions.
The exercise will culminate in a comprehensive validation exercise, enabling both contingents to jointly apply the tactics, techniques and procedures practiced 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.
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