Mitra Shakti 2023: With focus on sub-conventional ops, India, Sri Lanka begin joint military exercise in Pune

The aim of the exercise is to jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which authorises the Security Council to take enforcement measures, including the use of military force, to address threats to international peace and security.

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, and heliborne operations. In addition, Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting and yoga will also form part of the exercise curriculum during this edition.

In February earlier this year, the seventh Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Sri Lanka was held in New Delhi. It was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and his Sri Lankan counterpart General Kamal Gunaratne. During the meeting, the ongoing defence cooperation activities between the two countries were reviewed, with both sides agreeing to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises. In the context of training, both sides had reaffirmed their commitment to avail maximum benefits from each other’s experience and capacities.

‘Mitra Shakti’ 2023 will also witness deployment of drones and counter unmanned aerial systems besides helicopters. Drills to secure helipads and undertake casualty evacuation during counter-terrorist operations will also be rehearsed jointly by both sides. “Collective efforts will focus on achieving an enhanced level of interoperability amongst the troops and reduce the risk of life and property while keeping the interests and agenda of the UN at the forefront during peacekeeping operations,” said the MoD press statement.

An officer said that the UN mandate necessitates high levels of interoperability and cohesion among armies to be able to execute joint operations in the counter insurgency and counter terroism (CI-CT) domain. Situations often demand that operations are conducted jointly with contingents from other countries. “Both sides will exchange views and practices of joint drills on a wide spectrum of combat skills that will facilitate the participants to mutually learn from each other. The exercise will also foster strong bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations,” the MoD said.

The Foreign Training Node located at the Aundh Military Station in Pune has emerged as a preferred location for holding bilateral and multilateral military exercises and Southern Command has played an important role in their execution. Pune not only has the presence of several military establishments but also conducive weather conditions for conduct of such exercises, officials said. The eighth edition of Mitra Shakti was conducted at Combat Training School, Ampara in Sri Lanka in October 2021.