Exercise Mitra Shakti 2026

About Exercise Mitra Shakti 2026

• Exercise Mitra Shakti 2026 is an bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Sri Lankan Army.
• 2026 Edition: This is 12th edition of this exercise.
  • The first edition of this exercise was conducted in 2012.
• Host: The 14-day exercise will be held at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka, from November 13 to 26, 2026. 
• Frequency: It is an annually conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka.
• Aim: The exercise aims to enhance the joint operational capabilities of the two armies to conduct counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under a United Nations mandate.
• Objective: It provides a platform for both armies to strengthen interoperability, exchange operational experiences and share best practices in counter-terrorism operations, while fostering mutual understanding and professional camaraderie.
• Contingents: The Indian contingent comprises primarily troops from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services and the Indian Air Force.
• Focus: The training programme will focus on improving physical fitness, refining tactical drills and enhancing coordination between the participating contingents.
  • It will include joint planning, tactical rehearsals and specialised combat skills such as roadblock operations, urban patrolling, vehicle convoy protection, area ambushes, crowd dispersal and combined arms operations against fortified positions.
• The exercise will culminate in a comprehensive validation exercise, during which both contingents will jointly apply the tactics, techniques and procedures practised during the training.

Other exercise conducted between India and Sri Lanka:

• Exercise SLINEX