Exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2026 Begins in Sri Lanka

An Indian Defence Forces contingent of 170 members left on 13 November 2026 for Sri Lanka to join the twelfth edition of the joint military exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2026. The drill runs at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, in Sri Lanka from 13 to 26 November 2026, a span of fourteen days.

Who is taking part

The Indian side is built mainly around a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, with soldiers from other arms and services and personnel of the Indian Air Force joining them. MITRA SHAKTI is an annual bilateral exercise and the two countries host it by turn, so each edition moves between India and Sri Lanka.

What the armies will train for

The stated aim is to raise the joint capability of the two armies to carry out counter terrorism operations in a semi-urban setting under a United Nations mandate. The programme covers joint planning and the rehearsal of tactical operations along with specialised combat skills. The list of drills includes road block operations, patrolling in built-up areas, protection of vehicle convoys, laying an area ambush, dispersal of crowds and combined arms action against fortified positions. Physical fitness, the refinement of tactical drills and better coordination between the two contingents are the themes running through the fortnight. The training ends with a full validation exercise in which both sides apply together the tactics, techniques and procedures practised during the days before.

Why it matters

The exercise gives the two armies a regular platform to work on interoperability, to trade operational experience and to pass on best practices in counter terrorism work, while building professional familiarity between the units. The Ministry of Defence said the edition will deepen defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, reinforce the long friendship and trust between the neighbours and add to peace, stability and security in the region. For an aspirant, MITRA SHAKTI belongs with the other bilateral exercises India holds with its maritime neighbours, and the points usually asked are the partner country, the edition number, the venue and the dates.