New Delhi, Nov 13 (NVI): A 170-member Indian Defence Forces contingent on Friday departed for Sri Lanka to participate in the 12th edition of the India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise ‘Mitra Shakti 2026’, aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities between the two countries.
The 14-day exercise will be conducted at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka, from November 13 to 26, officials said.
The Indian contingent comprises primarily troops from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
The exercise aims to enhance the joint operational capabilities of the two armies to undertake counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under the mandate of the United Nations.
Exercise Mitra Shakti is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka.
It provides an important platform for both countries to strengthen military cooperation, improve interoperability, exchange operational experiences and share best practices in counter-terrorism operations.
During the exercise, the participating contingents will focus on enhancing physical fitness, refining tactical drills and improving coordination through joint training activities.
The training programme will include joint planning, rehearsals of tactical operations and specialised combat skills, including 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 demonstrate the tactics, techniques and procedures practised during the training period.
The 2026 edition of the exercise is expected to further strengthen defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka while reinforcing the longstanding bonds of friendship, mutual trust and professional camaraderie between the armed forces of the two countries.
The exercise will also contribute towards promoting regional peace, stability and security, officials said.—(NVI)
