The latest news in the defense sector brings to light the 8th edition of the joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army, codenamed Exercise MITRA SHAKTI. The exercise was conducted on the soil of Sri Lanka, continuing to strengthen the military bond that has been formed over years of strategic collaboration. The 7th edition of this exercise was previously held in Pune, Maharashtra in 2019.
About Exercise MITRA SHAKTI
Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is a military training initiative based primarily on counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain. It has been designed with an aim to tackle and neutralize threats that are unconventional and pose significant risk to the peace and tranquility of the nations involved.
The eighth edition of this exercise made it the largest bilateral exercise ever undertaken by the Sri Lankan Army, proving its significance and scale. Further highlighting the value of this initiative is its role as a major element in the growing defense partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
A noteworthy aspect of the join exercise is its intent to integrate the current dynamics of United Nations’ peacekeeping operations. This is achieved through active tactical exercises and engaging in practical discussions, which help in incorporating globally acknowledged peacekeeping measures in the training routines.
Evolution of the MITRA SHAKTI Exercise
Beginning with its inception and moving onto the 8th iteration, the MITRA SHAKTI exercise has come a long way. While it continues to be evolved and tailored to combat contemporary threats, the core objective remains to enhance operational synergy and mutual understanding between the militaries of both nations.
The lesson learnt, and experiences exchanged during such exercises significantly contribute to enhancing the operational readiness of both armies. In turn, it equips them to better respond to security threats both at regional and global levels.
Beyond Exercise MITRA SHAKTI: Other Collaborative Exercises
The military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka goes beyond Exercise MITRA SHAKTI. Another significant collaborative endeavor is the Naval exercise, referred to as SLINEX. The objective of such navy-centric exercises is to enhance interoperability, strengthen mutual trust and build a coastal defensive shield against common maritime threats.
In summary, Exercise MITRA SHAKTI and similar initiatives represent the commitment of both nations to maintain regional stability and collectively counter challenges posed by insurgents and terrorists. Simultaneously, these exercises also demonstrate the unity and synergy between the two armies, fostering their shared aims and objectives in defense and peacekeeping operations.
Source of Information
This overview of the 8th edition of Exercise MITRA SHAKTI and other defense initiatives between the Indian and Sri Lankan Army have been compiled based on details released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the Government of India. As the official press agency of the Republic of India, the PIB’s data and facts form the core insights of this report.
