Exercise MITRA SHAKTI–2025: Strengthening India–Sri Lanka Military Cooperation

(Suryavanshi IAS — Vision IAS–Style Defence & IR Current Affairs Brief for UPSC 2026)

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The 11th edition of the India–Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise “MITRA SHAKTI–2025” began on 10 November 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka, and will continue till 23 November 2025.

The annual exercise underscores India’s commitment to regional stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and UN peacekeeping operations, deepening strategic military ties with Sri Lanka.

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⚙️ Key Facts at a Glance

Parameter	Details
Edition	11th
Duration	10–23 November 2025
Venue	Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka
Participating Nations	India and Sri Lanka
Indian Contingent	170 personnel – mainly from Rajput Regiment
Sri Lankan Contingent	135 personnel – mainly from Gajaba Regiment
Air Force Participation	20 from IAF & 10 from Sri Lankan Air Force
Theme	Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of UN Mandate
Focus	Joint Counter-Terrorism & Peacekeeping Operations

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🎯 Aim of the Exercise

To jointly rehearse sub-conventional military operations under the United Nations Charter (Chapter VII), focusing on:

• Counter-terrorism operations.

• Peacekeeping missions.

• Interoperability in multi-domain operations.

➡️ Objective: Enhance mutual understanding and tactical coordination between Indian and Sri Lankan Armed Forces for joint operations in semi-urban, rural, and jungle environments.

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🔰 Training Focus Areas

Training Element	Description
Sub-Conventional Operations	Raid, search and destroy missions, cordon and search, and area domination exercises.
Heliborne Operations	Insertion and extraction of troops, helipad security, and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).
Drone & Counter-UAS Operations	Use of drones for surveillance and anti-UAS systems for defence.
Combat Reflex Shooting & AMAR	Rapid-response shooting drills and Army Martial Arts Routine.
Yoga & Physical Integration	Enhancing joint discipline, coordination, and stress resilience.

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🌍 UN Peacekeeping Context (Chapter VII)

Chapter VII of the UN Charter authorises actions with respect to threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression.

Under this, both armies are training for interoperability in UN-mandated peacekeeping missions, focusing on:

• Civilian protection.

• Conflict zone coordination.

• Minimising collateral damage.

• Rapid humanitarian response.

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🤝 Strategic Significance

Dimension	Importance
Bilateral Relations	Strengthens India–Sri Lanka defence and diplomatic partnership.
Regional Stability	Reinforces security architecture in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Interoperability	Builds operational synergy and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for joint missions.
UN Peacekeeping	Improves India’s global peacekeeping leadership credentials.
People-to-People Ties	Fosters mutual trust, cultural exchange, and soft diplomacy.

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🌏 India–Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation: Broader Framework

Mechanism	Description
Exercise MITRA SHAKTI	Army-level counter-terrorism and UN peacekeeping training.
Exercise SLINEX	Bilateral naval exercise focusing on maritime security.
DOSTI & TRILATEX	Regional Coast Guard and tri-lateral exercises (India–Sri Lanka–Maldives).
Defence Line of Credit (LoC)	India’s $100 million assistance for Sri Lanka’s defence modernisation.
Humanitarian Cooperation	Indian Navy’s assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic and disaster crises (2022–23).

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📘 Doctrinal Relevance: “Neighbourhood First” and SAGAR

• The exercise reinforces India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, ensuring strategic depth in South Asia.

• Aligned with SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), it contributes to collective maritime and regional security.

• Promotes India’s image as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.

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🧠 Recent Evolution in Exercise Scope

Edition	Venue	Focus
MITRA SHAKTI–2023	Aundh, Pune	Counter-terrorism under UN mandate
MITRA SHAKTI–2024	Colombo, Sri Lanka	Urban counter-insurgency drills
MITRA SHAKTI–2025	Belagavi, Karnataka	Drones, counter-UAS, heliborne & UN operations

➡️ Progressive integration of air assets, AI, and drone warfare signifies India’s adaptation to hybrid and asymmetric warfare models.

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🪶 Mains Practice Question

“Exercise MITRA SHAKTI symbolises India’s approach to defence diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region. Discuss how bilateral military engagements strengthen regional stability and strategic partnerships.”

(GS Paper 2 – 250 words)

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🧭 UPSC Relevance Box

Paper	Theme	Keywords
GS Paper 2	India–Neighbourhood Relations	Sri Lanka, Defence Cooperation, UN Peacekeeping
GS Paper 3	Internal & External Security	Counter-Terrorism, Sub-Conventional Warfare, Drones
Essay Paper	Diplomacy & Soft Power	Defence Partnerships, Neighbourhood First

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🌈 Key Takeaways

✅ 11th edition of Exercise MITRA SHAKTI held in Belagavi, Karnataka (Nov 2025).

✅ Focus: Sub-conventional operations under UN Mandate (Chapter VII).

✅ Involves drones, counter-UAS systems, heliborne drills, and combat reflex shooting.

✅ Enhances interoperability, trust, and regional stability.

✅ Reinforces India’s role as a net security provider in South Asia under SAGAR and Neighbourhood First.

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Compiled by: Suryavanshi IAS Research Division

Edition: Defence & Foreign Affairs Current Affairs Sheet | For UPSC 2026