India is all set to host the 11th edition of the annual ‘Indo-Sri Lanka Exercise Mitra Shakti’ at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka from November 10 to 23 The main agenda of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter insurgency operations in a Sub Conventional scenario under Chapter VII o the United Nations Mandate. In a post on X, ADGPI wrote, “The Indian Army is set to participate in the 11th edition of the annual Indo-Sri Lanka Exercise Mitra Shakti with the Sri Lanka Army at Foreign Training No Belagavi, from 10 to 23 November 2025.”
“Exercise Mitra Shakti 2025 aims to enhance the operational synergy between the two armies conducting joint operations across urban and semi-urban terrain. The exercise underscores the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka towards regional peace and security, while further strengthening Defence Cooperation, camaraderie and mutual trust between the two forces,” the post read further.
The exercise is conducted alternatively in each country, with the previous edition organised at Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka, in August, 2024. In the 10th edition of the exercise, Indian contingent comprising of 106 personnel was represented by a Battalion of Rajputana Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan contingent was represented by personnel from Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lankan Army.
Last year, both the sides engaged in tactical drills including ‘Response to a Terrorist Action’, ‘Establishment of a Joint Command Post’, ‘Establishment of an Intelligence & Surveillance Centre’, ‘Securing of a Helipad/ Landing Site’, ‘Small Team Insertion & Extraction’, ‘Special Heliborne Operations’, ‘Cordon and Search Operations’ besides employment of ‘Drones and Counter Drone Systems’, among others.
