The troops will train, share and rehearse tactical drills to undertake joint counter-terrorism operations

The 8th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral joint exercise Mitra Shakti commenced on Tuesday at the Combat Training School, Ampara in Sri Lanka.

The exercise will continue till October 15.

The exercise provides an ideal platform for both contingents to share their operational experience and expertise while also being instrumental in broadening the inter-operability and cooperation between the Armies of India and Sri Lanka, said a statement from India's Ministry of Defence.

An Indian Army contingent comprising of 120 personnel of Infantry Battalion Group and a similar strength from a Battalion of the Sri Lankan Army are participating in the bilateral exercise.

The Indian contingent received a traditional welcome on their arrival in Sri Lanka, the Indian Army had said on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1444639160921251844?t=-xYKbO2jDsJgn4QO27R1SQ&s=19

Over the next few days, troops will train, share and rehearse tactical drills to undertake joint counter-terrorism operations in a semi urban/rural environment under United Nations mandate.

Senior military observers and dignitaries of the Indian and the Sri Lankan Armies will be witnessing the validation phase of the exercise.