Indian Army chief, General Manoj Mukund Naravane will start his five-day visit to Sri Lanka 12 October to observe the ongoing eighth edition of joint Exercise Mitra Shakti between the Sri Lanka and Indian militaries, Sri Lankan Army chief General Shavendra Silva confirmed. Gen Naravane's visit will increase the cooperation between the two forces at a higher level. 

India and Sri Lanka have been focusing on increasing cooperation in counterterrorism with the eighth edition of the 12-day Mitra Shakti  joint military exercise that began this week in Sri Lanka. The ongoing excise will continue till 15 October at the Combat Training School in the eastern district of Ampara. 

All arms contingent of 120 Indian Army personnel headed by Col. Prakash Kumar is participating in the exercise designed to enhance understanding of transnational terrorism, inter-operability skills, the conduct of joint tactical operations, sharing of each other’s best practices, and experiences, The Sri Lanka Army said in a statement

Both countries enjoy close cooperation on matters related to terrorism and counter-terrorism and maritime security. The ongoing Maitri Shakti exercise also includes tactical level operations at the sub-unit level in an international counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism environment. 

The statement released by the Sri Lanka Army early this week said it aimed to strengthen bilateral military cooperation, understanding, and bonds of neighborly relations between both services. The exercise takes place alternately either in India or Sri Lanka every year.

“The aim of the exercise is to promote close relations between armies of both countries and enhance inter-operability and sharing best practices in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations,” India’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement. 

(SAM)