Mitra Shakti 2025 is the 11th edition of the annual bilateral military exercise between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise commenced on 10 November 2025 at the Foreign Training Node (FTN), Belagavi, Karnataka. It was scheduled to be conducted from 10 to 23 November 2025.
The Indian Army and Sri Lankan Army participated in this joint military exercise to improve interoperability, strengthen defence cooperation and practise coordinated military operations. The Indian contingent was mainly represented by the Rajput Regiment, while the Sri Lankan contingent was mainly represented by the Gajaba Regiment.
Mitra Shakti 2025 also involved personnel from the Indian Air Force and Sri Lanka Air Force. Its major focus was on practising sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate, particularly joint responses during counter-terrorism operations.
Mitra Shakti 2025: Important Highlights
Here are the important facts about the 11th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exercise Name | Mitra Shakti 2025 |
| Edition | 11th |
| Participating Countries | India and Sri Lanka |
| Exercise Type | Bilateral Military Exercise |
| Commencement Date | 10 November 2025 |
| Scheduled End Date | 23 November 2025 |
| Venue | Foreign Training Node (FTN) |
| Location | Belagavi, Karnataka |
| Indian Army Regiment | Rajput Regiment |
| Sri Lankan Army Regiment | Gajaba Regiment |
| Indian Air Force Participation | 20 personnel |
| Sri Lanka Air Force Participation | 10 personnel |
| Main Objective | Improving interoperability and joint operational capabilities |
| Major Focus | Sub-conventional and counter-terrorism operations |
What Is Mitra Shakti Exercise?
Mitra Shakti is an annual bilateral military training exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army. It is organised alternately in India and Sri Lanka to improve military cooperation and develop mutual understanding between the armed forces of both countries.
The exercise provides an opportunity for soldiers to train together, exchange operational experiences and learn different military tactics and procedures.
The name Mitra Shakti represents friendship and strength, reflecting the close defence relationship between India and Sri Lanka.
The major objectives of the Mitra Shakti exercise include:
- Improving coordination between the Indian and Sri Lankan armed forces.
- Strengthening military interoperability during joint operations.
- Sharing military tactics, techniques and procedures.
- Improving preparedness for counter-terrorism operations.
- Developing mutual understanding and professional relationships.
- Strengthening defence cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Mitra Shakti 2025: Participating Regiments and Personnel
The 11th edition of Mitra Shakti involved military personnel from both countries, with participation from their respective army and air force elements.
The Indian contingent mainly consisted of troops from the Rajput Regiment, while the Sri Lankan contingent was mainly represented by the Gajaba Regiment.
Participating Regiments
| Country | Participating Regiment |
| India | Rajput Regiment |
| Sri Lanka | Gajaba Regiment |
Participation of Air Forces
Personnel from both air forces also participated in the exercise to support joint military training and coordination.
| Participating Force | Personnel |
| Indian Army contingent | 170 |
| Indian Air Force | 20 |
| Sri Lankan Army contingent | 135 |
| Sri Lanka Air Force | 10 |
| Total Participation | 335 |
The participation of air force personnel added a joint-service element to the exercise and helped strengthen coordination between ground and air components.
Major Objectives of Mitra Shakti 2025
The primary objective of Mitra Shakti 2025 was to rehearse joint sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.
The exercise focused on improving the ability of both countries to respond jointly to security challenges, especially terrorist activities.
Its major objectives are explained below.
- Improving Military Interoperability
Interoperability refers to the ability of military forces from different countries to work together effectively. Joint training helps soldiers understand each other’s operational procedures, communication methods and tactical approaches.
- Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Capabilities
Counter-terrorism operations were a major focus of the exercise. Both armies practised coordinated responses to terrorist threats and other security situations.
- Sharing Military Experience
The exercise provided a platform for soldiers and military personnel to exchange operational knowledge, discuss military techniques and learn from each other’s experiences.
- Improving Joint Operational Capabilities
Joint training helps participating forces develop better coordination during tactical operations. It also improves their ability to work together in complex operational environments.
- Strengthening Defence Cooperation
Regular military exercises develop trust, professional relationships and long-term cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
Major Activities Conducted During Mitra Shakti 2025
Mitra Shakti 2025 included several tactical training activities designed to improve coordination and operational readiness.
The major activities included:
| Military Activity | Main Purpose |
| Counter-Terrorism Operations | Practising responses to terrorist threats |
| Raid Operations | Conducting coordinated tactical raids |
| Search and Destroy Missions | Identifying and neutralising operational threats |
| Heliborne Operations | Conducting military operations using helicopters |
| Drone Operations | Using drones for surveillance and reconnaissance |
| Counter-Drone Systems | Detecting and responding to potential drone threats |
| Joint Tactical Drills | Improving coordination between participating forces |
The use of drones and modern military equipment was also an important part of the training. These technologies can support surveillance, reconnaissance and situational awareness during military operations.
The exercise helped both countries understand the importance of combining traditional military skills with modern operational technologies.
Previous Edition of Mitra Shakti Exercise
The Mitra Shakti exercise has been an important part of India-Sri Lanka defence cooperation since 2012. It is conducted alternately in both countries.
The 10th edition was organised in Sri Lanka in August 2024, while the 11th edition was conducted in India in November 2025.
| Particulars | 10th Edition | 11th Edition |
| Year | 2024 | 2025 |
| Edition | Mitra Shakti X | Mitra Shakti XI |
| Dates | 12–25 August 2024 | 10–23 November 2025 (scheduled) |
| Location | Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka | Belagavi, Karnataka, India |
| Indian Regiment | Rajputana Rifles | Rajput Regiment |
| Sri Lankan Regiment | Gajaba Regiment | Gajaba Regiment |
The 10th edition was conducted at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. The Indian contingent included personnel from the Rajputana Rifles, while the Sri Lankan contingent was represented by the Gajaba Regiment.
Difference Between Mitra Shakti and SLINEX
India and Sri Lanka conduct separate joint military exercises to strengthen their defence relationship. Mitra Shakti and SLINEX are two important examples.
However, both exercises have different areas of focus.
| Basis | Mitra Shakti | SLINEX |
| Full Name | Mitra Shakti | Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise |
| Participating Countries | India and Sri Lanka | India and Sri Lanka |
| Exercise Type | Bilateral Army-focused exercise | Bilateral Naval Exercise |
| Main Participants | Indian Army and Sri Lankan Army | Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy |
| Main Focus | Joint land-based military operations | Maritime cooperation and naval operations |
| Key Objective | Improving military interoperability and counter-terrorism capabilities | Strengthening maritime security and naval cooperation |
What Is SLINEX 2024?
SLINEX 2024 was the bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka. It was conducted from 17 to 20 December 2024 at Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command.
The exercise was organised in two phases:
- Harbour Phase (17–18 December 2024): Included professional interactions and exchanges between naval personnel.
- Sea Phase (19–20 December 2024): Included joint naval activities, communication procedures, gun firings, navigation exercises and helicopter operations.
Mitra Shakti strengthens cooperation between the two countries’ land forces, whereas SLINEX focuses on cooperation between their navies.
Importance of Mitra Shakti 2025 for India-Sri Lanka Relations
India and Sri Lanka share geographical, historical and strategic relations. Defence cooperation is an important part of their bilateral partnership.
Mitra Shakti 2025 contributed to this relationship through joint military training and professional exchanges.
Its importance can be understood through the following points:
- Defence Cooperation: The exercise strengthens military relations between India and Sri Lanka.
- Regional Security: Joint military training supports cooperation in addressing common security challenges.
- Counter-Terrorism Preparedness: Both countries practise coordinated responses to terrorist threats.
- Modern Military Training: The use of drones and other military technologies improves operational awareness.
- Mutual Understanding: Soldiers from both countries gain experience working together.
- Operational Readiness: Joint tactical activities improve coordination and preparedness.
Such exercises also support India’s broader regional engagement with neighbouring countries through defence partnerships and military cooperation.
Important Points for Competitive Examinations
Candidates preparing for SSC, UPSC, RRB, Banking and other government examinations should remember these important facts about Mitra Shakti 2025.
- Mitra Shakti is a bilateral military exercise between India and Sri Lanka.
- The 11th edition was conducted in November 2025.
- The venue was Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
- The exercise commenced on 10 November 2025.
- The scheduled duration was 10 to 23 November 2025.
- The Indian Army was mainly represented by the Rajput Regiment.
- The Sri Lankan Army was mainly represented by the Gajaba Regiment.
- The exercise focused on sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.
- Counter-terrorism operations were a major focus.
- SLINEX is the bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
Mitra Shakti 2025 was an important bilateral military exercise aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The 11th edition brought together personnel from both countries at Belagavi, Karnataka, for joint military training and operational exercises.
With a focus on counter-terrorism, interoperability, joint tactical activities and modern military technologies, the exercise provided an opportunity for both countries to improve their operational coordination.
For competitive examination preparation, the most important facts are the 11th edition, the participating countries, the venue at Belagavi, the Rajput and Gajaba Regiments, and the exercise’s focus on joint sub-conventional operations.
