The 10th edition of the India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise, ‘Mitra Shakti,’ commenced on August 12 at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka, and is scheduled to run until August 25.
The Indian contingent, consisting of 106 personnel, includes a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles along with members from other branches of the armed forces. The Sri Lankan side is represented by the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army.
Mitra Shakti is an annual event that alternates between India and Sri Lanka. The previous edition was held in Pune in November 2023.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise is designed to bolster the joint military capabilities of both nations for counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional setting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. It will emphasize operations in semi-urban environments.
The exercise will include tactical drills such as responding to terrorist actions, establishing a joint command post, setting up an intelligence and surveillance center, securing helipads or landing sites, performing small team insertions and extractions, conducting special heliborne operations, and performing cordon and search operations. It will also involve the use of drones and counter-drone systems.
Exercise Mitra Shakti aims to enhance the sharing of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations. It is expected to foster interoperability, camaraderie, and strengthen defense cooperation between the two armies, thereby furthering bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka.
