India, Sri Lanka joint exercise 'Mitra Shakti-VI' to commence from Mar 26

Exercise 'Mitra Shakti' which is conducted annually as part of military diplomacy and interaction between armies of India and Sri Lanka will be conducted from March 26 to April 8 for the year 2018-19, in Sri Lanka.

Troops from 1st Battalion the Bihar Regiment of the Indian Army and Gemunu Watch Battalion of Sri Lankan Army would be jointly undertaking the exercise, the Press Information Bureau (Defence Wing) said.

"The aim of the exercise is to build and promote close relations between armies of both the countries and to enhance the ability of joint exercise commander to take military contingents of both nations under command," PIB said in a statement.

The exercise will involve tactical level operations in an international counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism environment under United Nations mandate.

Exercise 'Mitra Shakti-VI' will go a long way in further strengthening the relationship between both the south-Asian nations and will act as a catalyst in bringing synergy and cooperation at the grass-root level between both the armies.