INDIA - SRI LANKA JOINT EXERCISE MITRA SHAKTI XI – 2025 COMMENCED TODAY

IN NEWS – India–Sri Lanka Joint Exercise Mitra Shakti XI – 2025 Commences

Analysis

• The 11th edition of the India–Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise “Mitra Shakti-2025” commenced on 10 November 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka, and will continue till 23 November 2025.
• The exercise reflects the growing defence cooperation and mutual trust between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in the field of counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations under the UN mandate.

Key Highlights

1. Participating Contingents:
   • India: 170 personnel, primarily from the RAJPUT Regiment, with participation from 20 Indian Air Force personnel.
   • Sri Lanka: 135 personnel, primarily from the GAJABA Regiment, along with 10 Sri Lankan Air Force personnel.
2. Exercise Focus:
   • The exercise aims to rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with peacekeeping and peace enforcement.
   • Focus on joint counter-terrorism operations, coordination in urban and rural warfare, and interoperability enhancement.
3. Operational Activities:
   • Training includes raids, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations, and counter-terror drills.
   • Use of drones, counter-UAV systems, and helicopters to simulate real-world combat scenarios.
   • Special emphasis on casualty evacuation procedures and helipad security during operations.
   • Activities such as Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and Yoga will form part of the training module.
4. Strategic Importance:
   • Strengthens bilateral military cooperation and mutual learning between the two armies.
   • Enhances interoperability in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations framework.
   • Contributes to regional stability and aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiatives.

Static / Background Information

• Exercise Mitra Shakti:
  • A bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army, initiated in 2013.
  • Conducted alternatively in India and Sri Lanka.
  • Focuses on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and rural environments.
• Chapter VII of the UN Charter:
  • Pertains to Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression.
  • Provides the legal basis for UN peacekeeping operations and allows for enforcement measures, including the use of force, to maintain or restore international peace and security.
• RAJPUT Regiment (India):
  • One of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, known for its bravery and discipline.
  • Has a distinguished record in both pre- and post-independence military operations.
• GAJABA Regiment (Sri Lanka):
  • An elite infantry regiment of the Sri Lanka Army, recognized for its counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations during the Sri Lankan civil conflict.

Updated – 10 Nov 2025 ; 5:03 PM | PIB