Mitra Shakti 2017: India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise held in Pune

The 5th India-Sri Lanka joint training exercise “Mitra Shakti 2017” was held Aundh Military Station in Pune, Maharshtra.  The two weeks exercise (October 13 and 25) is based on Counter Terrorist Operations (CTO) and Infantry company from both countries are participating in it.

Mitra Shakti 2017

The aim of joint training is to exchange best of military practices of two countries and build strong military-to-military (M2M) relation between two armies. It also aims at developing joint strategies by sharing the expertise of conducting operations, especially in counter-insurgency and counter terrorism (CI and CT) environment under UN mandate. The training module of exercise will include weapons training, basic military tactics and complex battle strategies.

Background

The Mitra Shakti series of exercise between India and Sri Lanka had started in 2012, mainly as a response to China’s efforts to increase its influence in South Asia and Indian Ocean region. The armies of India and Sri Lanka also serve together in the United Nations Peacekeeping missions. The fourth edition of exercise was held at Sinha Regimental Centre in Ambepussa, Sri Lanka, in 2016 with main focus to enhance inter-operability in CI and CT operations under the UN mandate.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2017