The 10th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI commenced at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. This exercise is scheduled to run from 12th to 25th August 2024.
The Indian contingent, comprising 106 personnel, is represented by a Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with personnel from various other arms and services. The Sri Lankan contingent includes members from the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army. MITRA SHAKTI is an annual training event held alternately in India and Sri Lanka, with the previous edition conducted in Pune in November 2023.
The joint exercise intends to improve the 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 concentrate on operations within a semi-urban environment.
Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise include responses to terrorist actions, establishment of a Joint Command Post, formation of an Intelligence & Surveillance Centre, securing a Helipad/Landing Site, small team insertion & extraction, special heliborne operations, and cordon & search operations, in addition to the use of drones and counter-drone systems.
Exercise MITRA SHAKTI will allow both sides to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations. It will foster interoperability, camaraderie, and mutual understanding between the two armies, while also enhancing defence cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
