India, Nov. 13 -- A 170-member Indian Defence Forces contingent left for Sri Lanka on Friday to participate in the 12th edition of the India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise 'MITRA SHAKTI 2026.' The exercise is scheduled to be conducted at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, from November 13 to 26.

The Indian contingent is drawn mainly 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 military capability of both armies to undertake counter terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under a United Nations mandate. Exercise 'MITRA SHAKTI' is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately in India and...