The ninth edition of annual India-Sri Lanka bilateral Exercise Mitra Shakthi was conducted at Foreign Training Node in Pune, India from November 16 to 29.The Indian contingent comprised of 120 personnel from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and 15 Air Warriors and officers from Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Sri Lankan side was represented by 117 personnel from 53 Infantry Division and six personnel from Sri Lanka Air Force. India deployed an IAF IL-76 aircraft to facilitate the travel of the Sri Lankan contingent to Pune for the exercise. Mitra Shakthi is designed to jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations including the use of military force, to address the threats to international peace and security. The exercise helps in building proficiency in tackling transnational terrorism, conduct of joint tactical operations and building combat skills. It further enhances interoperability and mutual understanding between both the Armed forces in line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and vision of ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)’.
