‘Mitra Shakti 2017’: India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise to counter China

The fifth India-Sri Lanka joint training exercise "Mitra Shakti 2017" focusing on counter-terrorism operations has begun at Aundh Military Station in Pune.

The exercise is based on Counter Terrorist Operations and an infantry company from both the countries is participating in it. The opening ceremony commenced with a parade, followed by skill displays carried out by troops from the two countries.

The aim of the joint training is to share the best military practices and promoting healthy military to military relations between the two Armies and developing joint strategies by sharing expertise of conducting operations. The idea is to tap the rich repository of experience of each other and extract maximum learning value from the joint training. Forming part of different levels of the military to military engagement across the entire spectrum of operations, this exercise will enrich the two contingents in further honing basic military skills.

5th India- Sri Lanka joint training exercise

The Sri Lanka - India combined training exercise Mitra Shakti 2017 in it fifth edition will send a strong signal to the world that both - India and Sri Lanka understand the emerging threat of terrorism and stand shoulder to shoulder in countering this menace. PTI file photo

Stunning display of Khukri Dance

A spectacular display of Unarmed Combat, Khukri Dance and Pipe Band was carried out by Indian Army and Udarata Narthanaya by Sri Lanka Army. The fly past by two Cheetah helicopters of Indian Army Aviation carrying the national flags of both countries was held at the start of the ceremony.Photo credit: Twitter@adgpi

Builds mutual understanding

The exercise will be conducted for the next 14 days up to October 26 and will involve sharing and learning from each other's experiences. It also contributes immensely in developing mutual understanding and respect for each other's military.Photo credit: Twitter@adgpi

To counter China

The exercise will be conducted over two weeks, and the training module will include weapons training, basic military tactics and complex battle strategies. The series - Mitra Shakti - had started in 2012, mainly as a response to China's efforts to increase its influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

Photo credit:Twitter@adgpi

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