New Delhi, Nov 13 Troops of the Indian and Sri Lankan militaries will engage in a joint exercise from November 13-26 to boost combined capability in counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under a United Nations mandate, officials said on Friday.
A 170-member Indian armed forces contingent departed on Friday for Sri Lanka to participate in the 12th edition of India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’.
The exercise is scheduled to be conducted at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, the defence ministry said.
The Indian contingent is drawn mainly from a battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, along with troops from other arms and services, and personnel from the Indian Air Force.
“The exercise aims to enhance joint military capability of both armies to undertake counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under a United Nations mandate,” the ministry said in a statement.
Exercise Mitra Shakti is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka.
It provides an important platform for both armies to strengthen interoperability, exchange operational experiences and share best practices in the conduct of counter-terrorism operations, while promoting mutual understanding and professional camaraderie, the officials said.
The 14-day exercise will focus on enhancing physical fitness, refining tactical drills and improving coordination between the participating contingents.
The training programme will encompass joint planning, rehearsing tactical operations and specialised combat skills including roadblock operations, urban patrolling, vehicle convoy protection, area ambush, crowd dispersal and combined arms operations against fortified positions, the officials said.
The exercise will culminate in a comprehensive validation exercise, enabling both contingents to jointly apply the tactics, techniques and procedures practised during the training.
Exercise Mitra Shakti will further strengthen defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, reinforce the longstanding bonds of friendship and mutual trust between the two nations and contribute towards regional peace, stability and security, it said.
(PTI News)
