Mithra Shakti: Indo-Sri Lanka Defence Ties Strengthen

Mithra Shakti: Indo-Sri Lanka Defence Ties Strengthen

The special forces of the two nations, India and Sri Lanka commenced a three week long armed forces drill at the Uva Kuaoya Commando Regiment Training School close to Colombo in the island nation on 3rd November this year. The joint exercise is known as Mithra Shakti and it will continue till November 23rd, 2014. This exercise is part of the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency movement in the island nation. The participants of the exercise included more than 42 Indian Army personnel and a Sri Lankan contingent of 168 officers and other ranks from the Sri Lanka Army Special Forces and Commando Regiment. These participants were accompanied by 16 officers along with other ranks from the Sri Lanka Navy and 16 offices and other ranks from the Sri Lanka Indian Air Force.

This exercise is perceived by media reports and international affairs analysts to be an attempt by New Delhi to begin a dialogue with Colombo in the year 2012. This move aims to counter the growing influence of China in this region and it is important for strengthening bilateral military relations between the two countries. Existing relations between the two nations have been influenced by a recent incident where 5 Indian fishermen were convicted that MEA had maintained were innocent. While these incidents are few, their impact is great and the two nations need to move forwards in defence ties through moves such as Mithra Shakti.

The Exercise-Mithra Shakti itself is an outcome of an ADD or Annual Defence Dialogue co-chaired in Colombo in the month of early October by the Indian Defence Secretary, R.K.Mathur and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. This exercise is meant for sharing knowledge as well as experience between the Special Op forces of both the nations. The aim of Mithra Shakti is also to promote enhancement of interoperability as well as joint efforts and mutual exchange of Special Op tactics, under the directions of Commander of Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake. The MoU regarding the exercise and joint cooperation in defence between the two nations was signed between the Defence Adviser, High Commission of India and the Director, Training, Sri Lanka Army. Alongside, the aftermath of the ADD was another exercise in New Delhi, Indian between the armed forces of the two nations. This defence exercise gains extra importance in the context of the concerns India had over China’s submarines and warships being docked in the port at Sri Lanka.

In an assurance for India, Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Kosala Warnakulasuriya said: “A submarine and a warship have docked at Colombo harbour. They came on October 31 and will be here for five days for refuelling and crew refreshment. This is nothing unusual. Since 2010, 230 warships have called at Colombo port from various countries on goodwill visits and for refuelling and crew refreshment.”