‘Exercise-Mitra Shakti - 2017’ Draws to a Close

The fifth India-Sri Lanka Joint Training ‘Exercise-Mitra Shakti 2017’ came to a successful conclusion on Thursday (26) at the Aundh Military Camp in Pune.

The 14-day long joint training exercise (13-26, October) between India and Sri Lanka Army to build Military to Military co-operation and interoperability with special emphasis on use of modern communication, reconnaissance and weapon technologies began during a simple ceremony.

The Exercise focused on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations too.

During the last day of the Exercise, a joint operational team of both Armies conducted a mock drill to counter a terror attack in a semi-urban environment. The mock drill included the insertion of troops, sky jumps from helicopters using ropes and destruction of a terrorist hideout, understanding transnational terrorism, developing interoperability and conduct of a joint tactical operation controlled by a Joint Command Post, etc.

On Thursday (26), the First Mahar Regiment of the Indian Army and the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) of the Sri Lankan Army conducted a joint tactical drill in the training area of the Aundh Military Station before the closing ceremony. The highlight of the drill was the use of weaponry, communication and reconnaissance tools by the joint contingent.

A military observer for the Exercise, the Brigade Commander for the Pune-based 330 Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army, Brigadier Alok Chandra in his concluding remarks said the availability of high-technology weapons and equipment with the trans-national terrorist organizations has increased the intensity of the challenge of terrorism and therefore, the joint capabilities have to be accordingly developed by countries fighting the menace.

Declaring the Exercise closed, the military observer from Sri Lanka, Brigadier Ajith Pallawela, in his concluding remarks noted that during the joint training Exercise, both contingents live together, share, and learn, experiences from each other. "In this way, both armies not only improve techniques and tactics, but also enhance mutual trust and build up a profound friendship," he said.