Despite it being 15 years since the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, India and Sri Lanka continue to undertake joint military exercises to enhance their military capability for counter-insurgency operations.
The 10th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise Mitra Shakti commenced on Monday (August 12), adding another chapter to the close defence cooperation between the two countries. The training will be conducted from August 12 to 25 at the Army training school in Maduru Oya Sri Lanka. According to the Ministry of Defence, the Joint Exercise aims to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations.
As part of the agenda, tactical drills are to be rehearsed in response to terrorist action, the establishment of joint command posts, and intelligence and surveillance centres.
The Indian contingent comprises 106 personnel and is being represented by a Battalion of Rajputana Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services. The Sri Lankan contingent is being represented by personnel from the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lankan Army.
Over the last few months, India has been keen on pursuing defence and military interests in Sri Lanka. India’s Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth visited the country’s Southern tip via hovercraft last month, as he planted and saluted an Indian flag on an islet in the Palk Strait.
Meanwhile, in Colombo, the Indian High Commission organised an event where it showcased weapons for sale to senior Sri Lankan officials, including those accused of war crimes. A seminar under the theme of “Identifying New Opportunities and Forging New Bonds” was held to reportedly “explore avenues for collaboration in defence production”.
Sri Lanka’s interest in Indian weaponry comes despite Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Defence, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon stating last year said there were plans to cut down on the size of the army and military spending.
Sri Lanka's military budget revealed last November vastly outstrips spending in other sectors. In the 2023 budget, the Ranil Wickremesinghe government allocated $1.45 billion (539 billion Sri Lankan rupees) as the cumulative budget for the Ministry of Defense and Public Security. The Ministry of Defense received $1.108 billion while the Ministry of Public Security received $350 million.
The Sri Lankan army continues to be one of the largest militaries in the world per capita and occupies vast swathes of land across the Tamil homeland.
