The 11th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise 'Mitra Shakti XI-2025' began on 10 November 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka. The exercise is being conducted from 10 to 23 November 2025. The Indian contingent has 170 personnel, mainly from the Rajput Regiment, while the Sri Lankan contingent has 135 personnel, mainly from the Gajaba Regiment. In addition, 20 personnel from the Indian Air Force and 10 personnel from the Sri Lankan Air Force are participating.

The core aim is to jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the UN mandate. The scope includes joint responses during counter-terrorist operations, raids, search-and-destroy missions, heliborne operations and casualty evacuation. The exercise also covers the use of drones, counter-unmanned aerial systems and helicopters. Army Martial Arts Routine, combat reflex shooting and yoga are part of the training curriculum.

The exercise brings together facts on sub-conventional operations under the UN mandate, counter-terrorist response and defence coordination with a neighbouring country. In RAS/UPSC prelims, the exercise name, venue, duration, participating regiments and objective are likely factual points. In mains, it can be used as an example of India's defence diplomacy with neighbours, interoperability between armed forces and India's role in peacekeeping-oriented training. The exercise gives both armies a platform to exchange joint drills and best practices, strengthening defence cooperation and bilateral relations.