Archive · 21 Nov 2025
India, Sri Lanka Boost Defence Ties with Talks and Joint Exercise
India and Sri Lanka had a meeting to talk about how to work better together in the military.
They also did a big practice exercise to learn from each other and get better at fighting bad guys and keeping peace.
They want to be good friends and help each other stay safe.
India and Sri Lanka held the 11th Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in Bodhgaya
Both sides committed to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and interoperability
Exercise 'Mitra Shakti' ongoing in Belagavi, involving 305 personnel and 30 air force personnel
Exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations, joint drills, and UN peacekeeping operations
Aim to deepen defence cooperation, enhance interoperability, and foster bilateral relations
- Who
- India and Sri Lanka
- What
- Held Army-to-Army Staff Talks and Exercise 'Mitra Shakti'
- When
- November 18-20 (AAST), November 10-23 (Exercise)
- Where
- Bodhgaya, India (AAST), Belagavi, India (Exercise)
- Why
- To strengthen defence cooperation, boost interoperability, and promote regional peace
- Exercise Name
- Mitra Shakti
- Indian Contingent Size
- 170 personnel
- Sri Lankan Contingent Size
- 135 personnel
- Exercise Duration
- 13 days
- UN Mandate
- Chapter VII