Exercise Mitra Shakti XI-2025, the 11th edition of the bilateral military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, commenced on November 10, 2025, at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka. The exercise runs from November 10 to 23, 2025, and focuses on counter-terrorism operations, counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) drills, and heliborne assault techniques.

The Indian Army is represented by personnel from the storied Rajput Regiment, with approximately 170 soldiers participating. Sri Lanka has deployed around 135 troops for the exercise. The joint training enhances interoperability, mutual understanding of tactics, and strengthens the bilateral defence partnership under India's Neighbourhood First policy.

Key focus areas include counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CICT) operations in jungle and urban terrain, joint heliborne insertion raids, and neutralisation of drone threats using C-UAS technology. The exercise also covers humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) coordination.

Mitra Shakti exercises have been held since 2013, alternating between India and Sri Lanka. The series reflects the growing strategic alignment between the two nations and their shared commitment to regional security in the Indian Ocean Region. For Rajasthan aspirants, the Rajput Regiment — which has a strong historical association with Rajasthan — adds a regional significance to this exercise.