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 held at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka, from November 13 to 26, 2026. The Indian contingent comprises primarily troops from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services and the Indian Air Force.
The exercise aims to enhance the joint operational capabilities of the two 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 a platform for both armies to strengthen interoperability, exchange operational experiences and share best practices in counter-terrorism operations, while fostering mutual understanding and professional camaraderie.
The training programme will focus on improving physical fitness, refining tactical drills and enhancing coordination between the participating contingents. It will include joint planning, tactical rehearsals 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 apply the tactics, techniques and procedures practised during the training.
‘Mitra Shakti 2026’ is expected to further strengthen defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, reinforce the longstanding bonds of friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, and contribute to regional peace, stability and security.
-PIB
