New Delhi, Oct 16 : India and Sri Lanka today concluded bilateral military exercise Mitra Shakti, which was conducted from October 4-16 in the island nation.

The exercise, held at Combat Training School, Ampara, is based on counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in semi urban terrain.

It is the largest bilateral exercise being undertaken by the Sri Lankan Army and it forms a major part of India and Sri Lanka’s growing defence partnership.

“During the past 14 days, both the contingents displayed great enthusiasm and professionalism while practising joint drills, executed as part of the exercise,” an official statement said.

The culmination phase of the exercise was jointly witnessed by the visiting Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane and Chief of Defence Staff & Commander of the Sri Lankan Army General Shavendra Silva, on Friday.

Besides promoting synergy and interoperability amongst the Armed Forces, Exercise Mitra Shakti further helped in cementing ties between both the Nations.

The participating contingents expressed immense satisfaction at the termination of the exercise in terms of standards achieved during the conduct of the exercise.(UNI)