NEW DELHI. India and Sri Lanka are all set to conduct joint military exercise to build and promote close relations between armies of both the countries and to enhance ability of joint exercise commander to take military contingents of both nations under command.

The joint military exercise MITRA SHAKTI-VI for the year 2018-19 would be conducted in Sri Lanka from March 26 to April 8.

Troops from 1st Battalion the BIHAR Regiment of the Indian Army and Gemunu Watch Battalion of Sri Lankan Army would be jointly undertaking the exercise.

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is conducted annually as part of military diplomacy and interaction between armies of India and Sri Lanka.

The exercise would involve tactical level operations in an international Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist environment under United Nations mandate.

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-VI will go a long way in further cementing relationship between both the nations and would act as a catalyst in bringing synergy and cooperation at grassroots levels between both the armies.