Table of Contents
India and Sri Lanka Start Joint Army Drill Mitra Shakti 2025
Overview
- Exercise name: The 11th edition of Mitra Shakti 2025 has started.
- Start date: It began on 10 November 2025.
- Location: The exercise is taking place at the Foreign Training Node in Belagavi, Karnataka.
- Duration: It will continue for about two weeks, up to 23 November 2025.
Purpose and focus areas
- Better teamwork: The main goal is to improve teamwork between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army.
- Fighting terrorism: Both countries will train together for situations like counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations, which are similar to missions under the United Nations peacekeeping rules.
- City operations: Soldiers will practice how to handle fights and rescue missions in urban and semi-urban areas, which are common in today’s security situations.
Scope and training modules
- Raid & cordon: Soldiers will learn how to surround and capture terrorist hideouts safely.
- Helicopter training: Teams will practice using helicopters for quick entry and exit during missions.
- Medical evacuation: The exercise includes training to carry and treat injured soldiers in emergencies.
- Building clearing: Troops will rehearse how to clear houses and streets in crowded city areas.
- Drone use: The armies will use drones and anti-drone systems to improve modern surveillance and defense skills.
- Air coordination: Practice will include communication between ground troops and air forces, such as protecting and managing helipads.
Participants and composition
- Indian team: Around 170 soldiers from the Rajput Regiment are participating, supported by Indian Air Force units.
- Sri Lankan team: About 135 soldiers from the Gajaba Regiment are taking part, along with Sri Lankan Air Force members.
- Training level: The exercise is being held at the company level, where smaller army groups train together for better coordination.
- Expert sessions: Both sides will also hold classroom discussions and planning meetings to share ideas and tactics.
Operational benefits
- Better communication: Both armies learn how to talk and act in sync during tough operations.
- Shared skills: Soldiers exchange fighting and peacekeeping techniques, especially useful in counter-terror missions.
- Team confidence: Rehearsing rescue and helicopter missions builds trust and teamwork among soldiers.
- Learning exchange: Each army learns about the other’s equipment, methods, and leadership styles, especially about new drone technology.
Strategic and diplomatic significance
- Stronger friendship: The exercise helps strengthen military friendship between India and Sri Lanka.
- Regional peace: It shows both nations’ commitment to keeping the Indian Ocean region peaceful and secure.
- Trust building: Regular drills like this help build trust and reduce misunderstanding between neighbouring countries.
Public displays and outreach
- Opening event: The exercise began with a flag-exchange ceremony and parade attended by officers from both countries.
- Local activity: People around Belagavi are seeing increased army movement, vehicles, and aircraft during the exercise period.
- Media coverage: Both armies are sharing photos, videos, and official updates to inform the public about daily activities.
Potential challenges and limitations
- Different methods: The two armies have slightly different styles and equipment, which can make coordination tricky at first.
- Tough conditions: Soldiers have to adjust to new weather and terrain, which can be difficult during field training.
- Small scale: The drill involves company-level troops, so it’s smaller compared to big international exercises.
Important Questions
- On which date and at which location did the Mitra Shakti 2025 military exercise begin?
- What is the main objective of the Mitra Shakti 2025 joint training between the Indian Army and the Sri Lanka Army?
- Which regiments from India and Sri Lanka are participating in the Mitra Shakti 2025 exercise?
- What major training activities are included in the Mitra Shakti 2025 program at Belagavi?
- How will the Mitra Shakti 2025 exercise help improve defence cooperation and regional stability between India and Sri Lanka?
Conclusion
The Mitra Shakti 2025 exercise marks a strong step in defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. By sharing tactics, improving coordination, and training together in modern warfare and peacekeeping methods, both armies are building trust and readiness. This joint effort also strengthens peace and stability in the South Asian and Indian Ocean region.
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