The eleventh annual joint military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025” was launched on Monday 10 November 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka. Photo credit: X/@PIB_India
The 11th edition of the MITRA SHAKTI-2025 joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka began on Monday (November 10, 2025) at the Foreign Training Hub in Belagavi, Karnataka. The exercise will last until November 23.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian contingent of 170 personnel is represented mainly by soldiers from the Rajput Regiment, while the Sri Lankan contingent of 135 personnel consists mainly of soldiers from the Gajaba Regiment. In addition, 20 Indian Air Force personnel and 10 Sri Lankan Air Force personnel are participating in the exercise.
The goal of the exercise is joint training in the conduct of sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the mandate of the United Nations with a focus on strengthening interoperability in anti-terrorist operations. The training curriculum includes ambush and search missions, heliborne operations, search and destroy tasks, Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex fire and yoga, the ministry said.
The exercise integrates the use of drones, anti-pilot air systems and helicopters. Joint exercises will include securing helipads and conducting casualty evacuation under operational conditions. The joint effort aims to improve coordination between personnel of both armies in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism scenarios.
The exercise is expected to further enhance defense cooperation and promote stronger bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka.
Published – 10 Nov 2025 21:22 IST
