The ninth edition of Mitra Shakti, a joint military exercise between Sri Lanka and India, took place from November 16 to 29 in Pune, Maharashtra. The Mitra Shakti exercise brings troops of the Indian and Sri Lankan armies together for joint training every year and is held in Sri Lanka and India alternately. The exercise aims to enhance cooperation between both countries in the field of defense, enable the countries to share strategies and improve counter-terrorism operations.