The 10th edition of the Mitra Shakti India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise kicked off on Monday in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, the Indian Defence Ministry said.
"The 10th edition of India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI commenced today, at Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 12th to 25th August 2024," the statement read.
The exercise is aimed at enhancing the joint military capabilities of both sides to conduct counter-insurgency operations under a UN mandate, the defence ministry added.
Mitra Shakti is the largest joint military exercise that Sri Lanka holds with other countries, and an important part of its growing defense partnership with India.
The exercise is designed to address the ongoing dynamics of UN peacekeeping operations through tactical exercises and practical discussions. It is held annually on a rotating basis in the territories of both countries. The previous edition of Mitra Shakti took place in the Indian city of Pune in November 2023.