An Indian and a Lankan soldier during a Mitra Shakti – 2021 drill, which was held in at the Combat Training School in Sri Lanka’s Ampara. (File photo)
New Delhi: The 10th edition of the joint military exercise “Mitra Shakti” between the Indian Army and the Sri Lanka Army is set to start on Monday. This annual bilateral exercise will be held at Maduru Oya river region in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, where the Lankan army’s Special Forces Training School is located.
A unit of 120 soldiers from the Indian Army’s highly decorated Rajputana Rifles (Raj Rif) will participate in the exercise, alongside an equal number of troops from the Sri Lanka Army’s Gajaba Regiment, which is an elite infantry unit renowned for its operational expertise. An Indian Army news release said the exercise aims to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding between the two armies, focusing on joint operations in semi-urban environments, in line with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The 14-day-long exercise, scheduled to conclude on August 25, will involve a series of tactical drills and simulations designed to improve the proficiency of both armies in tackling contemporary security challenges. The primary objective is to share the participating units’ best practices and experiences with an aim to hone and enhance the operational capabilities of both forces.
An official from the Army said: “The sharing of best practices will further enhance the level of defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the Sri Lanka Army. This exercise is crucial for fostering closer ties and ensuring better coordination in joint operations.”
During the exercise, the participating troops will engage in various activities, including counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, casualty evacuation, and securing helipads. The use of modern technology, such as drones and counter-unmanned aerial systems, will also be a key feature of the drills.
The previous edition of Mitra Shakti was held in India, in Pune’s Aundh, in November 2023. During that exercise, the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment represented the Indian Army. This year’s exercise marks yet another step in defence diplomacy between the two neighbouring countries, reflecting New Delhi and Colombo’s commitment to maintain regional stability and security.
