New Delhi, Nov 18 (NationPress) The Eleventh edition of the joint military exercise “Exercise Mitra Shakti-2025” between India and Sri Lanka has reached a significant stage, featuring a ‘Battle Obstacle Course’ where soldiers from both nations eagerly participated, showcasing their endurance, agility, and comprehensive combat readiness.

This event was succeeded by an exhaustive lecture and demonstration focused on Fighting in Built-Up Areas (FIBUA).

“The session highlighted the utilization of drones for reconnaissance, light specialist and all-terrain vehicles for quick deployment, and robotic mules for thorough room-to-room reconnaissance. A slithering exercise was also conducted as part of the joint operation,” stated a defence official.

A detailed session on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) was conducted, covering route-clearance drills, protocols after detecting IEDs, charge preparation, and Render Safe Procedures.

This joint military exercise commenced on November 10 at the Foreign Training Node located in Belagavi, Karnataka.

The exercise is scheduled to take place from November 10 to November 23, 2025.

The Indian contingent comprises 170 personnel, primarily from the Rajput Regiment.

In contrast, the Sri Lankan team includes 135 personnel, mainly from the Gajaba Regiment, along with 20 members from the Indian Air Force and 10 from the Sri Lankan Air Force.

The primary goal of this exercise is to rehearse the execution of Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.

“The scope of this exercise includes coordinating joint responses during counter-terrorism operations. Both teams will practice tactical maneuvers such as raids, search and destroy missions, and heliborne operations,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) noted in a prior press release.

Furthermore, the curriculum will include Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and Yoga.

Exercise Mitra Shakti-2025 will also integrate the use of Drones and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems alongside helicopters.

Participants will exchange insights and practices on a broad spectrum of combat skills, enabling mutual learning.

This sharing of best practices is anticipated to enhance the defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army, fostering robust bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations.