India and Sri Lanka have begun the 12th edition of their bilateral military exercise Mitra Shakti at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. The exercise started on 13 November 2026 and is scheduled to conclude on 26 November 2026.
The Indian contingent comprises 170 personnel, drawn mainly from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles. Personnel from other arms and services of the Indian Army, along with members of the Indian Air Force, are also participating in the exercise.
Focus on counter-terrorism operations
Mitra Shakti is conducted annually and alternates between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise is designed to provide both armies with a structured setting to improve interoperability, exchange operational experience and share established practices for counter-terrorism operations.
The training also supports closer professional interaction between the participating personnel. The exercise framework is intended to promote mutual understanding while allowing the two contingents to work through operational procedures together in a controlled training environment.
- Exercise: Mitra Shakti, 12th edition
- Location: Army Training School, Maduru Oya
- Dates: 13 to 26 November 2026
- Indian contingent: 170 personnel, mainly from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles
Joint validation exercise planned
The programme will end with a comprehensive validation exercise. This phase will allow the Indian and Sri Lankan contingents to jointly apply the tactics, techniques and procedures practised during the training period.
The validation phase is intended to assess how effectively the two contingents can use the methods developed during the exercise. It follows the bilateral training and exchanges conducted during the earlier stages of Mitra Shakti, bringing the participating personnel together for a joint practical application of their procedures.
Mitra Shakti forms part of the wider defence engagement between India and Sri Lanka. The two countries also conduct SLINEX, a bilateral naval exercise. The Army exercise, however, remains focused on land-based training and counter-terrorism operations, with the current edition bringing together Indian and Sri Lankan personnel at Maduru Oya.
