India and Sri Lanka to join military exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’ in Belagavi

The 11th bilateral military exercise between Sri Lanka and India, Mitra Shakti 2025, started at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka, between 10 to 23 November 2025. The objective of the exercise is to improve joint operational capabilities, interoperability, and coordination between the two armies during sub-conventional operations. The Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army Gajaba Regiment are in the forefront of the contingents with air elements on both sides. Counter-terrorism, the peace tasks, and the application of drones and helicopter-borne operations are also the subject of the exercise to reinforce the regional collaboration and security.

Important Exercise Between India and Sri Lanka

• Mitra Shakti. This is an annual bilateral army drill between India and Sri Lanka, which is held alternately in each country.

• The 11th edition is scheduled from 10 to 23 November 2025 in Belagavi, Karnataka, with the theme of joint counter-terrorism and joint peacekeeping operations.

• The 10th edition will be held at Maduru Oya in Sri Lanka in August 2024.

• The two-way naval drill between both countries is called SLINEX, and both are expected to improve the security of the sea and interoperability.

• In Visakhapatnam, the latest SLINEX 2024 took place, and both navies took part in the harbour and sea phase.

• Such practices create military co-operation, stability of the region, and trust between India and Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

India and Sri Lanka are in the process of developing defence cooperation and a strategic alliance, and this can be seen in the joint military exercise conducted between the two countries in 2025 called Mitra Shakti 2025. The exercise, held in Belagavi, Karnataka, enhances interoperability, trust, and readiness to jointly respond in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping missions to boost regional security and a spirit of commitment to peace and stability in South Asia.