Indian Armed Forces Depart for Joint Military Exercise Mitra Shakti 2026 in Sri Lanka
A 170-member Indian military team has left for Sri Lanka to participate in Mitra Shakti 2026, aimed at enhancing joint counter-terrorism capabilities.
New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : A contingent of 170 personnel from the Indian Armed Forces has set off for Sri Lanka to participate in the 12th edition of the joint military exercise, ‘Mitra Shakti 2026’. The exercise will take place from November 13 to 26 at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.
The Indian team primarily comprises soldiers from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with troops from various military branches and personnel from the Indian Air Force.
The primary goal of this exercise is to enhance the joint military capabilities of both nations in conducting counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments under the United Nations mandate.
‘Mitra Shakti’ is an annual bilateral military exercise that alternates between India and Sri Lanka. It serves as a crucial platform for both armies to strengthen coordination, exchange operational experiences, and share best practices in counter-terrorism operations. Furthermore, it fosters mutual understanding and professional camaraderie between the two countries.
Over the 14-day period, the exercise will focus on improving physical fitness, refining tactical maneuvers, and enhancing coordination among participating teams. The training program will include joint planning, rehearsing tactical operations, and practicing specialized combat skills.
Key aspects of the exercise will involve operations such as blocking roads, patrolling urban areas, securing vehicle convoys, ambush strategies, crowd dispersal, and conducting joint military actions against fortified positions. At the conclusion of the exercise, there will be a comprehensive validation drill where both teams will jointly implement the strategies, techniques, and procedures learned during the training.
‘Mitra Shakti 2026’ aims to further strengthen defense cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, reinforcing the longstanding friendship and mutual trust between the two nations, while contributing to regional peace, stability, and security.
