Context:
• The 11th edition of Joint Military Exercise “MITRA SHAKTI–2025” commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka, from 10 to 23 November 2025.
Key Highlights:
• Indian Contingent: 170 personnel from the RAJPUT Regiment and 20 from the Indian Air Force.
• Sri Lankan Contingent: 135 personnel from the GAJABA Regiment and 10 from the Sri Lankan Air Force.
• Aim: To jointly rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate.
• Scope of Exercise:
- Conduct of counter-terrorist operations and joint tactical missions such as raids, search and destroy, and heliborne operations.
- Inclusion of Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and Yoga sessions.
• Technological Integration: - Use of Drones, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), and helicopters.
- Joint drills for securing helipads and casualty evacuation during operations.
• Outcome Expected: - Enhanced interoperability between the two armies.
- Improved joint preparedness for UN peacekeeping operations.
- Exchange of best combat practices to deepen India–Sri Lanka defence cooperation and bilateral relations.