India-Sri Lanka military exercise with focus on counter-insurgency concludes

The two-week long joint military exercise involving India and Sri Lanka, ‘Mitra Shakti’ concluded on Thursday. The fifth chapter of Mitra Shakti has been underway at the Aundh Military Station for the last two weeks. Express photo by Arul Horizon

During the last few days of Mitra Shakti, discussions were held on possible terrorist scenarios and operational drills were conducted. Express photo by Arul Horizon

According to army officials these drills mainly focussed on coordination and joint battle procedures. Express photo by Arul Horizon

An Infantry company from both countries which is focussing on counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations participated in the exercise. Express photo by Arul Horizon

Brigadier Alok Chandra from the Indian side and Brigadier Ajith Pallawela from the Sri Lankan side were the military observers for the exercise.Express photo by Arul Horizon

The exercise also has immense importance for military ties between India and Sri Lanka, in the backdrop of the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region. Express photo by Arul Horizon