The eleventh edition of the India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’ began on Monday at the Foreign Training Node in Belagavi, Karnataka. The two-week-long exercise, scheduled from November 10 to 23, aims to strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding between the armies of the two neighbouring countries.
The Indian Army contingent, comprising 170 personnel, is primarily drawn from the RAJPUT Regiment, while the Sri Lankan Army is represented by 135 personnel from the GAJABA Regiment. The exercise also includes participation from 20 Indian Air Force and 10 Sri Lankan Air Force personnel.
The primary objective of Exercise Mitra Shakti is to enhance joint operational capabilities for sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate, with a particular emphasis on counter-terrorism.
Both sides will conduct and rehearse coordinated tactical drills, including raid, search-and-destroy missions, heliborne operations, and casualty evacuation under simulated combat conditions.
As part of the training curriculum, troops will also participate in Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and yoga sessions to improve physical conditioning and combat readiness.
In line with modern battlefield requirements, the exercise features the use of drones, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), and helicopter operations. Drills to secure helipads and manage evacuation of casualties during counter-terrorist missions will be a key highlight of the training.
The joint drills are designed to strengthen operational synergy and improve the ability of both armies to undertake peacekeeping and humanitarian operations under the UN framework.
Over the next two weeks, the participating troops will exchange knowledge and operational experiences across a wide spectrum of military skills and will also foster strong bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations.