India-Sri Lanka annual joint military exercise

On August 12, India and Sri Lanka conducted an annual joint military exercise codenamed Mitra Shakti to enhance interoperability and share best practices.

India-Sri Lanka will enhance military capabilities to conduct counter-insurgency operations through the joint exercise 'Mitra Shakti'. (Source: Financial Express)

The PTI news agency quoted a statement from the Indian Ministry of Defense as saying: "The purpose of this joint exercise is to enhance the military capabilities of both sides to conduct counter-insurgency operations in extraordinary situations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission."

According to the Ministry, the exercise will focus on operations in a semi-urban environment. Tactical exercises will include responding to terrorist acts, establishing a joint command post, establishing an intelligence and surveillance center, and protecting a helipad/landing site.

In addition, there are practices for deploying and withdrawing small groups, special helicopter operations, blockade and search, use of drones and counter-drone systems, and many others.

The Indian Ministry of Defense stressed that Mitra Shakti will allow both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations, while enhancing friendship, defense cooperation, and bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.

The joint exercise Mitra Shakti , taking place at Sri Lanka's Maduru Oya Army Training School, will last until August 25.

Participating in the joint exercise, India sent 106 soldiers, most of whom were from the Rajputana Rifle Battalion; the host country Sri Lanka sent soldiers from the Gajaba Regiment.

The most recent Mitra Shakti exercise was conducted in Pune, southern India in November 2023.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/an-do-sri-lanka-tap-tran-chung-thuong-nien-282361.html