Exercise Mitra Shakti 2023: Indian, Sri Lankan armies conduct joint tactical drills

Troops from the Indian and Sri Lankan armies engaged in collaborative tactical exercises at Pune's College of Military Engineering as part of Exercise Mitra Shakti 2023, according to an official statement released on Monday.In a post on X, the Indian Army said, "Exercise Mitra Shakti 2023, The troops of Indian Army and Sri Lankan Army jointly practised various tactical drills while sharing best practices. The troops also underwent orientation on the latest equipment in the College of Military Engineering, Pune."The ongoing ninth edition of the Joint Military exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023 is taking place from November 16 to 29.The Indian contingent, consisting of 120 personnel, primarily comprises troops from the Maratha Light Infantry regiment.Representing the Sri Lankan side are personnel from the 53 Infantry Division, with 15 individuals from the Indian Air Force and five from the Sri Lankan Air Force also participating."The aim of the exercise is to jointly rehearse the conduct of Sub Conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The Scope of the exercise includes synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations. Both sides will practice tactical actions such as raid, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations, etc. In addition, Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting and Yoga will also form part of the exercise curriculum," Defence Ministry said.With inputs from ANI