Troops from the Indian and Sri Lankan armies recently participated in joint tactical drills at the College of Military Engineering in Pune as part of Exercise Mitra Shakti 2023. The aim of the exercise is to rehearse the conduct of Sub Conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter and enhance joint responses during counter-terrorist operations. The ongoing ninth edition of Exercise Mitra Shakti began on November 16 and will continue until November 29.

The Indian contingent, consisting of 120 personnel, mainly comprises troops from the Maratha Light Infantry regiment. On the Sri Lankan side, personnel from the 53 Infantry Division are participating in the exercise. Additionally, 15 individuals from the Indian Air Force and five from the Sri Lankan Air Force are also part of the exercise. During the tactical drills, troops from both armies shared best practices and underwent training on the latest equipment at the College of Military Engineering. The exercise curriculum includes various tactical actions such as raid, search and destroy missions, and heliborne operations.

Furthermore, Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting, and Yoga are also incorporated into the exercise. The joint military exercise aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Indian and Sri Lankan armies. By practicing and honing their tactical skills together, the troops are better prepared to combat terrorism and respond effectively to various security challenges. The collaboration between the two nations highlights the importance of fostering strong defense ties and promoting regional stability.