India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti 2026’ Begins in Sri Lanka

Why in the News?

A 170-member Indian Defence Forces contingent departed for Sri Lanka to participate in the 12th edition of the **India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise ‘Mitra Shakti 2026’**.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Dates and Location:

- The 14-day bilateral exercise is taking place at the Army Training School in **Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka**, from **November 13 to 26, 2026**.

- Contingent Composition:

- Primarily comprises troops from a battalion of the **Rajputana Rifles**, along with personnel from other arms and services and the Indian Air Force.

- Operational Objective:

- Focuses on enhancing joint operational capabilities to conduct counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under a United Nations mandate.

- Tactical drills include urban patrolling, area ambushes, vehicle convoy protection, crowd dispersal, and combined arms operations against fortified positions.

- Exercise Format:

- ‘Mitra Shakti’ is an **annual bilateral military exercise** conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka.

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Static GK Facts:

- Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka:

- Commercial Capital: **Colombo** | Legislative Capital: **Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte**.

- Currency: **Sri Lankan Rupee**.

- Other India-Sri Lanka Joint Exercises:

- **SLINEX:** Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and Sri Lanka.

- Rajputana Rifles:

- The oldest rifle regiment of the Indian Army, originally raised in **1775**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Where is the 12th edition of the India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise 'Mitra Shakti 2026' being held?

A: Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka

Q: Which regiment primarily represents the Indian Army contingent in Exercise Mitra Shakti 2026?

A: Rajputana Rifles

Q: What is the name of the annual bilateral naval exercise conducted between India and Sri Lanka?

A: SLINEX

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