In November 2025, the 11th edition of the India–Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’ commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka, and will continue till 23rd November 2025. The exercise aims to strengthen bilateral military cooperation, enhance interoperability, and improve joint capability in counter-terrorism operations under the United Nations (UN) mandate.
About Mitra Shakti-2025:
Focus: The exercise focuses on joint rehearsals of sub-conventional operations in urban and semi-urban environments.
Participants:
Indian Contingent: The Indian contingent consists of about 170 personnel, primarily drawn from the Rajput Regiment.
Sri Lankan Contingent: The Sri Lankan contingent comprises approximately 135 personnel, mainly representing the Gajaba Regiment.
Air Force Participation: The exercise also includes 20 personnel from the IAF and 10 personnel from the Sri Lankan Air Force(SLAF).
Training Activities: The exercise will feature tactical drills such as raids, search and destroy missions, and heliborne operations . It will also include use of drones and counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems(UAS) techniques, helipad security and casualty evacuation drills, along with Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and yoga sessions.
Focus Areas and Technological Integration:
Usage of Drones and C-UAS: This edition of Mitra Shakti involves the use of Drones and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) to reflect modern battlefield dynamics.
Practice Sessions: Both armies will jointly practice helipad security, medical evacuation, and real-time coordination for UN peacekeeping missions.
Enable Mutual Learning: The exercise enables both sides to exchange best practices in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, fostering mutual learning and operational synergy between the two defence forces.
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