170 Indian Armed Forces personnel have departed for Sri Lanka to take part in the 12th joint military exercise Mitra Shakti 2026 between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise will be held from 13 to 26 November 2026 at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Indian contingent mainly consists of soldiers from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with personnel from other military branches and Indian Air Force staff. The 14‑day exercise aims to enhance the joint capability of both countries’ forces to conduct counter‑terrorism operations in semi‑urban areas under UN mandate
Key features and training of the military exercise
This exercise is a bi‑annual bilateral military exercise alternated between India and Sri Lanka. It facilitates operational coordination, exchange of experience and sharing of best practices for counter‑terrorism operations between the two countries’ forces
- Improve physical fitness and tactical drills
- Joint planning and pre‑exercise urban patrol
- Road blockades and convoy protection
- Ambush tactics and crowd dispersal drills
Background and defence cooperation
According to Daily Bhaskar Hindi, the exercise will conclude with a comprehensive verification, during which both contingents will jointly apply the learned strategies. The exercise strengthens defence cooperation between the two countries and contributes to regional peace and stability