A 170-member Indian Defence Forces contingent departed on November 13, 2026, for Sri Lanka 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, Sri Lanka, from November 13 to November 26, 2026. The Indian contingent is drawn mainly from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with troops from other arms and services, and includes personnel from the Indian Air Force.
The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance the joint military capability of both armies to undertake Counter Terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under a United Nations mandate. As an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka, MITRA SHAKTI provides an important platform for both armies to strengthen interoperability, exchange operational experiences, and share best practices in counter-terrorism operations while promoting mutual understanding and professional camaraderie.
The 14-day exercise program will focus on enhancing physical fitness, refining tactical drills, and improving coordination between the participating contingents. The training encompasses joint planning, rehearsing tactical operations, and specialized 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 period.
This military cooperation is expected to 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.