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India, Sri Lanka begin 12th edition of joint military exercise Mitra Shakti 2026

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The bilateral military maneuvers are taking place at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya from November 13 to 26. Indian forces, anchored by the Rajputana Rifles alongside service specialists and air force personnel, are executing tactical drills that cover vehicle convoy protection, crowd dispersal, and operations against fortified positions. The program will conclude with a joint validation exercise demonstrating the operational tactics and procedures practiced by both nations.

Key points

  • The annual bilateral training focuses on enhancing operational planning and interoperabil…: The annual bilateral training focuses on enhancing operational planning and interoperability for counter-terrorism missions in semi-urban environments.
  • The participating armed forces will execute tactical drills ranging from urban patrolling…: The participating armed forces will execute tactical drills ranging from urban patrolling to complex combined arms operations.
  • The ongoing exercise is structured to deepen bilateral defense ties and bolster overall r…: The ongoing exercise is structured to deepen bilateral defense ties and bolster overall regional security cooperation.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

A 170-member Indian military contingent has departed for Sri Lanka to participate in the 12th edition of the joint military exercise Mitra Shakti 2026, scheduled from November 13 to 26.

According to the ministry of defence, the contingent comprises primarily troops from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with personnel from other arms and services and the Indian Air Force. The exercise will be held at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.

The Rajputana Rifles is one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, with a history spanning more than 250 years. The regiment has previously participated in Mitra Shakti, including the 10th edition held in Sri Lanka in August 2024.

Mitra Shakti is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka. It aims to strengthen interoperability between the two armies and enhance their ability to conduct joint counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments.

The 2026 edition will involve joint operational planning and tactical drills, including urban patrolling, vehicle convoy protection, area ambushes, crowd dispersal and combined arms operations against fortified…

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