Exercise Mitra Shakti – 2025

Why in the News?

The 11th edition of the India–Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise, MITRA SHAKTI–2025, is being conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka. The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability between the armies of both nations in sub-conventional operations under the United Nations (UN) mandate, with a focus on counter-terrorism and peacekeeping skills.

Background

• Exercise MITRA SHAKTI began in 2013, enhancing India’s defence diplomacy with Sri Lanka.
• It has become a key pillar of bilateral defence cooperation, promoting regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Hosted alternately by India and Sri Lanka each year.
• Has evolved from basic tactical drills to advanced counter-terrorism and UN peacekeeping operations (PKOs).
• Aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and commitment to peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific.

About Exercise MITRA SHAKTI – 2025

Key Highlights of the Exercise

• Emphasis on counter-terrorist operations, anti-insurgency drills, and joint tactical actions.
• Exercises include:
  • Raids, search and destroy missions, room intervention & close-quarter battle (CQB).
  • Heliborne operations using IAF assets.
  • Deployment and countering of drones / UAS for surveillance, targeting, and tactical movement.
  • Helipad security, perimeter defence, and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) procedures.
• Cross-training to share best practices in combat, survival, and urban operations.
• Enhances joint operational readiness for complex, evolving threat environments.

Significance of Exercise MITRA SHAKTI – 2025

Additional Insights

• UN Charter – Chapter VII: Deals with actions concerning threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression. MITRA SHAKTI trains soldiers for such mandated operations.
• Foreign Training Node, Belagavi: A premier Indian Army facility designed for international joint military training.
• Strategic Context: Sri Lanka’s proximity to crucial sea lanes in the Indian Ocean makes bilateral defence ties essential for maritime security and countering external influence.