ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka and Pakistan have launched a two-week joint military exercise to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities, signaling closer defense cooperation between the two countries, the military’s media wing said in a statement.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have had close defense relations for years, with Islamabad assisting the Sri Lankan government in its 25-year-long conflict with Tamil separatist rebels.
The two-week-long ‘Exercise Shake Hands-II’ commenced on 27 April 2026 at Tarbela, Pakistan, with the participation of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and Special Forces from the Sri Lankan Army, the military’s media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The statement further said the exercise aims to enhance professional capabilities through joint training while further strengthening the longstanding military-to-military relations between the two friendly nation.
The exercise launched at Tarbela, Pakistan, with the participation of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and Special Forces from the Sri Lankan Army.
Participating troops will gain from the exchange of operational experience and counter-terrorism expertise, helping to enhance interoperability and deepen mutual understanding between the two sides.
The Pakistani military regularly holds joint air, ground and sea exercises with friendly countries to enhance professional capabilities and interoperability among friend forces.
Last week, the Pakistan–Turkye Joint Commando and Special Forces Exercise Jinnah-XIII was successfully conducted in Turkiye, focusing on counterterrorism operations.
Earlier in April, Pakistan and Egypt also commenced their joint exercise, Thunder-II, at the Special Operations School in Cherat.
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