International 14 November 2026
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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