It forms a major part of India and Sri Lanka’s growing defence partnership

The 8th Edition of Exercise Mitra Shakti,
the joint military drill between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army, ended in Ampara, Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Exercise Mitra Shakti, based on counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in a semi-urban terrain, is the largest bilateral exercise being undertaken by the Sri Lankan Army.

It forms a major part of India and Sri Lanka’s growing defence partnership, the Ministry of Defence said.

The exercise was conducted from October 4-16 and culminated at the Combat Training School in Ampara.

During the past 14 days, both the contingents displayed great enthusiasm and professionalism while practising joint drills, executed as part of the exercise, said the Ministry of Defence.

The culmination phase of the exercise was jointly witnessed by visiting Chief of the Indian Army General M M Naravane and Chief of Defence Staff & Commander of the Sri Lankan Army General Shavendra Silvaon on Friday.

Besides promoting synergy and inter-operability amongst the Armed Forces, Exercise Mitra Shakti further helped in cementing ties between both the nations, the defence ministry said.

The participating contingents expressed immense satisfaction at the termination of the exercise in terms of standards achieved during the conduct of the said exercise, it added.