Pune: India-Sri Lanka Joint Exercise (MITRASHAKTI -2023) Wraps Up with High Praise, Including Women’s Contributions

Mubarak Ansari

Aundh, 28th November 2023: India Sri Lanka Joint Exercise (MITRASHAKTI -2023) culminated today at Southern Command Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune.

Brig S Taluja, Commander (330 Infantry Brigade), Aundh Military Station, and Maj General PGPS Rathnayaka RWP, RSP, NDC, Srilankan Army addressed the contingents during the closing ceremony and appreciated the immaculate drills and procedures practised and learnt during the exercise.

Addressing the troops, Maj General Rathnayaka said, “The performances displayed by the participating troops of both countries were outstanding due to matriculate planning and excellent execution of the same. All the training aspects were organized and conducted at the highest degree of professionalism giving due consideration to Chapter 7 of the UN Charter.

Our nations have stood side by side fostering a bond of camaraderie that goes beyond geographical boundaries. The Sri Lankan Army and the Indian Army have cultivated a strong bond of trust and collaboration and demonstrated unwavering commitment as steadfast partners when confronted with two challenges.

Even in history, the Sri Lankan Army and the Indian Army have fought together and sacrificed blood for a common mission to ensure and uphold peace and security and that is one of the remarkable examples of our friendship. I am certain that this trust and collaboration would have further strengthened through this exercise.”

Brigadier Taluja added, “India and Sri Lanka have always been committed to bringing peace and prosperity to the world by addressing the threats posed by belligerent groups, through Peacekeeping Operations under the United Nations Mandate. The Peacekeeping missions help countries torn by conflict in creating conducive conditions for lasting peace.

The Peace Keeping Operations as correctly brought out in the narrative needs the correct understanding of mandate and rules engagement. Most importantly the drills shown by all participants did cover the protection of civilians from the rebels, the response by the various echelons of combat deployment and the role of women in Peacekeeping. The notable action by the joint contingent was that we fielded four women soldiers in the Exercise, Training and Administrative duties. The gender parity paves the way for a common future where women have a role to play as part of the Armed Forces. The integration of armed forces into a single contingent has enabled the contingents in achieving our military objective of interoperability. The exercise shows the collective will of Sri Lankan and Indian Army to come together for Regional Unity and I am sanguine that together we will move towards a safer world.”

Joint exercises between armies are a facet of military diplomacy between nations across the world. It is increasingly becoming an important instrument in developing relationships, trust and confidence between the Armies which may eventually prove useful during joint military operations such as UN peace keeping operations.

The India Sri Lanka Joint Exercise (MITRASHAKTI -2023) was held from 16 to 28 Nov 2023 at Pune. Contingent from both Nations have displayed great enthusiasm and professionalism while practicing joint drills during the conduct of exercise.

“It has been a great learning experience for all the participants. The forces including troops from Indian Army and Air Force have not only learnt about each other’s operational drills and tactics, but have also exchanged ideas and best practices being followed in execution of Sub Conventional Operations under the UN Mandate.

The exercise has taught valuable lessons to the troops of the participating Armies on conducting joint operations in support for peace. The camaraderie developed between the contingents during the course of exercise will certainly assist in enhancing confidence between the armies which may be deployed together for such operations. The conduct of this Military Exercise is also an important step to uphold the values of Peace, Prosperity, International Brotherhood and Trust which is in line with Security and Growth for all in the Region”, a release from the Indian Army stated.