Exercise Mitra Shakti
Recently, a 170-member Indian Defence Forces contingent departed to participate in the 12th edition of India–Sri Lanka joint military exercise ‘MITRA SHAKTI 2026’.
About Exercise Mitra Shakti
- It is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka.
- Aim: 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.
- Participating Contingent: An Indian battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with troops from other arms and services and personnel from the Indian Air Force, are participating.
- It provides an important platform for both armies to strengthen interoperability, exchange operational experiences and share best practices in the conduct of Counter Terrorism operations, while promoting mutual understanding and professional camaraderie.
- The training programme will encompass joint planning, rehearsing tactical operations and specialised combat skills including roadblock operations, urban patrolling, vehicle convoy protection, area ambush, etc.
- It will further strengthen defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.