The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban environment
The 10th edition of India- Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise Mitra Shakti commenced on Monday (August 12, 2024), adding another chapter to the close defence cooperation between the two countries. 

Scheduled to be conducted from August 12-25, 2024, the exercise is being held at Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance 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 focus on operations in the semi-urban environment, the Ministry added.

The exercise has an elaborate agenda. Tactical drills to be rehearsed include Response to a Terrorist Action, Establishment of a Joint Command Post, and Establishment of an Intelligence & Surveillance Centre. The participants will also take part in Securing of a Helipad/ Landing Site, Small Team Insertion & Extraction, Special Heliborne Operations, Cordon & Search Operations besides employment of Drones and Counter Drone Systems.

The Indian contingent comprises 106 personnel and is being represented by a Battalion of Rajputana Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services. The Sri Lankan contingent is being represented by personnel from Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lankan Army.

"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. The Joint Exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations," the Ministry of Defence said. 

Joint Exercise Mitra Shakti is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Sri Lanka. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in Aundh (Pune) from November 16 to 29, 2023.