RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — Pakistan and Sri Lanka began the two-week-long bilateral Exercise Shake Hands-II at Tarbela, bringing together elite army units from both countries to sharpen counter-terrorism skills. The drill aims to improve interoperability, exchange operational experience and deepen long-standing military-to-military ties, April 27, 2026.
The exercise involves Pakistan Army Special Services Group troops and Special Forces from the Sri Lankan Army. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations said the training is designed to strengthen professional capabilities through joint drills and practical cooperation.
Shake Hands-II strengthens elite force coordination
Shake Hands-II is the second edition of the bilateral exercise, according to the Sri Lanka Army, which said its contingent departed for Pakistan before the training window scheduled from April 26 to May 10 at the Special Operations School in Tarbela.
The drill gives both forces a structured setting to compare tactics, rehearse counter-terrorism procedures and improve coordination in complex security scenarios. Arab News reported that the exercise is intended to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities between the two armies, while The Express Tribune cited ISPR as saying participants will benefit from exchanging operational experience and expertise.
A relationship built through repeated defense engagement
The current drill fits into a broader pattern of Pakistan-Sri Lanka defense cooperation. In January 2024, the countries held the 4th Sri Lanka-Pakistan Defence Dialogue, a forum Sri Lanka’s Defence Ministry described as a platform for strengthening strategic ties rooted in historical, cultural and diplomatic links.
Pakistan’s Press Information Department said after that dialogue that officials discussed expanding cooperation through training exchanges, bilateral defense exercises, maritime cooperation and military technology expertise. Those priorities mirror the objectives now visible in Shake Hands-II, especially the emphasis on joint training and practical knowledge-sharing.
The defense relationship also has a recent security dimension beyond exercises. In 2021, Pakistan offered Sri Lanka a $50 million credit line for defense purchases, with both sides also agreeing to increase intelligence sharing and cooperation on security issues, including terrorism and crime.
Why the drill matters now
For Pakistan, Shake Hands-II reflects a continued push to host and participate in joint military training with partner countries. For Sri Lanka, the exercise provides another opportunity to expose its special forces to external counter-terrorism practices and operational planning methods.
Both countries have faced militant violence and internal security challenges over different periods, making counter-terrorism cooperation a practical area for military engagement. Exercises like Shake Hands-II can help align procedures, build trust between commanders and prepare troops for missions where coordination and quick decision-making are critical.
While officials have not disclosed the full training syllabus, the focus on counter-terrorism suggests drills may include small-unit tactics, operational planning, close coordination and mission rehearsals. The two-week format gives participating troops time to move beyond ceremonial engagement and into repeated field training.
Shake Hands-II signals continuity, not a one-off event
The most important message from Shake Hands-II may be continuity. The exercise builds on defense dialogues, training exchanges and security cooperation that have developed over several years, making it part of a wider effort to keep Pakistan-Sri Lanka military relations active and practical.
As the exercise continues in Tarbela, both armies are expected to use the training to strengthen professional ties and improve mutual understanding. For Islamabad and Colombo, the drill offers a visible sign that counter-terrorism cooperation remains a central part of their defense partnership.
