India, Nov. 13 -- A 170-member Indian Defence Forces contingent departed for Sri Lanka on Friday to participate in the 12th edition of the India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise, 'Mitra Shakti 2026'.

The 14-day exercise will be conducted at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka, from November 13 to 26, 2026.

The Indian contingent comprises personnel primarily from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with troops from other arms and services and personnel from the Indian Air Force.

The exercise aims to enhance the joint operational capabilities of the Indian and Sri Lankan armies to conduct counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under a United Nations mandate.

'Mitra Shakti' is an annual bilateral m...