The 8th edition of India-Sri Lanka bilateral joint exercise Mitra Shakti commenced today at the Combat Training School Ampara in Sri Lanka. <br />''<br />''The two week long exercise is being conducted from 4th to 15th of this month.<br />''<br />''The Indian Army contingent comprising of 120 personnel of Infantry Battalion Group and a similar strength from a Battalion of the Sri Lankan Army are participating in the bilateral exercise. <br />''<br />''Over the next few days, troops will train, share and rehearse tactical drills to undertake joint counter-terrorism operations in a semi urban or rural environment under United Nations mandate.<br />''<br />''Senior military observers and dignitaries of the Indian and the Sri Lankan Armies will be witnessing the validation phase of the exercise. <br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The exercise provides an ideal platform for both contingents to share their operational experience and expertise while also being instrumental in broadening the inter-operability and cooperation between the Armies of India and Sri Lanka.</span><br />