INDIAN DEFENCE FORCES CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR INDIA–SRI LANKA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE ‘MITRA SHAKTI 2026’
INDIAN DEFENCE FORCES CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR
INDIA–SRI LANKA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE ‘MITRA SHAKTI 2026’
प्रवि ष्टि ति थि : 13 NOV 2026 3:53PM by PIB Delhi
A 170-member Indian Defence Forces contingent departed today for Sri Lanka, to
participate in the 12 edition of India–Sri Lanka joint military exercise ‘MITRA SHAKTI
2026’. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted at the Army Training School, Maduru
Oya, Sri Lanka, from 13 to 26 November 2026. 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 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
the conduct of 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 road block operations, urban patrolling, vehicle convoy protection, area
ambush, crowd dispersal 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.
