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New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) As part of the eleventh edition of the joint military exercise “Vyayam Mitra Shakti-2025” between India and Sri Lanka, ‘Battle Obstacle Course’ was conducted where soldiers of both the contingents participated with enthusiasm displaying patience, agility and overall combat preparedness.
This was followed by an extensive lecture and demonstration on fighting in built-up areas (FIBUA).
“The session showcased the use of drones for reconnaissance, light specialist and all-terrain vehicles for rapid induction, robotic mules for room-to-room reconnaissance. A slithering exercise was also conducted as part of the joint exercise,” a defense official said.
Subsequently, a detailed lecture and demonstration on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) was also conducted, covering route-clearance drills, follow-up after detection of IEDs, preparation of charges and safe procedures.
It is noteworthy that this joint military exercise started on November 10 at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
The exercise is being conducted from 10 November to 23 November 2025.
The Indian contingent consists of 170 personnel and is represented mainly by soldiers from the Rajput Regiment.
The Sri Lankan side, on the other hand, consists of 135 personnel represented mainly by soldiers from the Gajaba Regiment. 20 Indian Air Force personnel and 10 Sri Lankan Air Force personnel are also participating in the exercise.
The objective of the exercise is to jointly rehearse the conduct of sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate.
“The scope of the exercise includes coordination of joint responses during counter-terrorism operations. Both sides will practice tactical operations such as raids, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations etc.,” the Ministry of Defense (MoD) said in its first press note.
Apart from this, Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), Combat Reflex Shooting and Yoga will also form part of the exercise curriculum.
Exercise Mitra Shakti-2025 will also include the use of drones and counter-unmanned aerial systems in addition to helicopters.
Both sides will exchange ideas and practices for joint exercises on a wide spectrum of combat skills which will facilitate the participants to learn mutually from each other.
The sharing of best practices will further enhance the level of defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army and the exercise will also promote stronger bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.
–IANS
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