Exercise Mitra Shakti
The Exercise Mitra Shakti is the joint military exercise conducted between India and Sri Lanka. The bilateral exercise is also called India-Sri Lanka Joint Training Exercise. Mitra Shakti means “Power of Friendship”. These exercises are conducted annually alternating between India and Sri Lanka.
About Exercise Mitra Shakti
The exercise is conducted between the armies of the countries. It is an annual exercise, that is, held every year. It includes sub unit level training for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. It incorporates the dynamics of United Nations peacekeeping operations. The exercise includes tactical exercises and practical and comprehensive discussions. Mitra Shakti is one of the largest bilateral exercises undertaken by the Sri Lankan army.
Aim of the exercise
The main objective of the exercise is to promote defence cooperation. It also aims to boost the positive relations between the Indian and Sri Lankan armies.
Previous Mitra Shakti Exercise
- The Mitra Shakti II was held in 2014 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- The Mitra Shakti III was held in 2015 in Pune, India.
- Mitra Shakti IV in 2016 in Ambepussa, Sri Lanka.
- Mitra Shakti V: Pune, India in 2017
- Mitra Shakti VI: Sri Lanka in 2018
- Mitra Shakti VII: Pune, India in 2019
- Mitra Shakti VIII: Ampara, Sri Lanka in 2021
Exercise Mitra Shakti 2021
The eighth edition of the Mitra Shakti exercise was held in October 2021. It was based on counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations in semi urban areas. The Indian Army sent an all arms contingent of 120 personnel to participate in the exercise. The Mitra Shakti exercise was not conducted in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Exercise Mitra Shakti 2019
During the seventh edition of the Mitra Shakti exercise, the Indian Army sent its Kumaon Regiment. On the other hand, the Sri Lankan Army sent its Gemunu Watch Infantry regiment. The Kumaon regiment of the Indian Army was formed in the 18th century. It has fought in every major battle of the British Indian Army and the Indian Army. They also participated in two world wars. It is one of the highly decorated regiment of the Indian Army. During the exercise, the armies received lessons in counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations in rural and urban environments.
