India Deploys 170 Troops for Mitra Shakti 2026 Exercise

The Government of India deployed a 170-member Indian Defence Forces contingent to Sri Lanka to participate in Mitra Shakti 2026, the 12th edition of the annual bilateral military exercise. Running from November 13 through November 26, 2026, the 14-day program is hosted at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya.

The Indian contingent primarily consists of personnel from the Rajputana Rifles, supported by the Indian Air Force and other service arms. The exercise focuses on enhancing joint operational capabilities for counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments under a United Nations mandate. Training activities include joint planning, urban patrolling, roadblock operations, vehicle convoy protection, and combined arms operations against fortified positions.

The program will conclude with a comprehensive validation exercise. The Indian government stated that the initiative aims to strengthen defense cooperation, exchange operational experiences, and contribute toward regional peace, stability, and security.