Patna | November 21, 2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
India-Sri Lanka Boost Defence Ties:
India-Sri Lanka have taken another major step toward strengthening regional defence cooperation by holding the 11th Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in Bodhgaya, Bihar, from November 18 to 20. The discussions focused on enhancing interoperability, expanding joint exercises, and reinforcing a security partnership aimed at maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean Region.
The talks reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional peace and stability, according to an update from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI).
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Delegations Discuss Strategic Defence Cooperation
A delegation of six senior officials from Sri Lanka, led by Major General Ravi Pathiravithana, participated in the dialogue. The meeting explored new avenues of bilateral military cooperation and reviewed progress under existing defence agreements.
ADGPI wrote in a post on X that the talks focused on “strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, identifying key areas to boost interoperability and deepening the broader defence partnership.”
The Indian Army highlighted the significance of continuous military engagement with Sri Lanka as both countries work to counter emerging security challenges in the region.
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Exercise Mitra Shakti 2025 Underway in Karnataka
Parallel to the Bodhgaya discussions, the armies of India and Sri Lanka are currently participating in the 11th edition of Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’, being held from November 10 to 23 at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
The large-scale annual joint drill underscores the commitment of both nations toward collaborative military readiness. The exercise involves:
170 Indian Army personnel (mainly Rajput Regiment)
135 Sri Lankan Army troops (primarily Gajaba Regiment)
Participation from Indian Air Force (20) and Sri Lankan Air Force (10) personnel
Both sides are practicing joint operations in urban and semi-urban combat environments, including:
1.Drone deployment and anti-UAS systems
2.Helicopter-based maneuvers and helipad security
3.Casualty evacuation drills
4.Counter-terror operations under the UN Chapter VII mandate
The training also includes raid and search operations, heliborne insertion, combat reflex shooting, AMAR (Army Martial Arts Routine), and yoga.
Key Defence Goals Ahead India-Sri Lanka Ties
Officials said the exercise will enhance tactical coordination and mutual sharing of best military practices, contributing to a stronger and more integrated response mechanism between the two nations.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the operations aim to synergise joint responses against terrorism and improve peacekeeping capabilities under the United Nations framework.
The defence engagement marks another milestone in a long-standing bilateral relationship shaped by maritime security concerns, anti-terror cooperation, and regional stability.
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