On 10 November 2025, India and Sri Lanka launched the 11ᵗʰ edition of Exercise Mitra Shakti at the Foreign Training Node in Belagavi, Karnataka. This joint military exercise, scheduled till 23 November, is a major step in enhancing bilateral military cooperation and operational coordination between the two countries. Focused on counter-terrorism, sub-conventional warfare, and UN peacekeeping scenarios, the drill showcases a growing commitment to regional security and tactical synergy.
Exercise Mitra Shakti is a recurring bilateral military exercise between the Indian and Sri Lankan armies, initiated to improve coordination in sub-conventional warfare, particularly counter-terror and insurgency operations. It is conducted under the Chapter VII mandate of the United Nations, which allows for enforcement measures to maintain or restore international peace and security.
Over the years, Mitra Shakti has become a symbol of regional defence collaboration, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Additional support includes 20 Indian Air Force personnel and 10 from the Sri Lankan Air Force
The primary goal is to simulate sub-conventional operations in a multinational peacekeeping environment, including,
The training also integrates Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) and yoga sessions, highlighting both physical endurance and mental discipline.
One of the major highlights of this edition is the employment of drones and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS). These tools are increasingly essential in modern conflict zones where surveillance, rapid response, and threat neutralisation depend heavily on advanced tech. The use of helicopters and heliborne insertions reflects realistic operational challenges faced during urban and semi-urban counter-insurgency missions.
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