India, Sri Lanka military drill – Mitra Shakti – commences in Maduru Oya
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Mitra Shakti shows deepening warmth in India and Sri Lanka ties
By Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi, August 12: The 10th edition of India and Sri Lanka joint military exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’ commenced today, at Army Training School, Maduru Oya, in the island nation. The joint military drill is taking place amid regular foray of the Chinese scientific vessels, widely known as spy ships, in the Indian Ocean waters.
“The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 12th to 25th August 2024. Indian contingent comprising of 106 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of Rajputana Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services,” said the Ministry of Defence in a media statement.
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The Sri Lankan contingent is being represented by personnel from Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lankan Army. Joint exercise Mitra Shakti is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Sri Lanka. Last edition was conducted in Pune in November, 2023.
“Aim of the joint exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter insurgency operations in a Sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban environment,” added the Ministry of Defence in the statement.
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Tactical drills to be rehearsed during the exercise include ‘Response to a Terrorist Action’, ‘Establishment of a Joint Command Post’, ‘Establishment of an Intelligence & Surveillance Centre’, ‘Securing of a Helipad/ Landing Site’, ‘Small Team Insertion & Extraction’, ‘Special Heliborne Operations’, ‘Cordon & Search Operations’ besides employment of Drones and Counter Drone Systems, among others.
“Exercise Mitra Shakti will enable both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting joint operations. It will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies,” added the Ministry in the media statement.
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The joint exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations, added the Ministry of Defence.
It may be noted that India and Sri Lanka ties have gained a new vibrancy in the wake of the President Ranil Wickremesinghe coming back at the helm of the island nation. India had extended support proactively to the island nation after Sri Lanka announced a sovereign default in 2022 in the midst of the ‘Go, Gota Go’ protest.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa had fled Sri Lanka in the midst of the protest after facing serious attacks for compromising the Sri Lankan economy.
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