Pune

The fifth edition of the 'Mitra Shakti' joint exercise began with an opening ceremony at Aundh military station in Pune, an Army spokesperson said here.

He said the focus of the exercise will be on counterterror operations and enhancing operational coordination between the two forces.

"The exercise will send a strong signal that both India and Sri Lanka understand the emerging threat of terrorism and stand shoulder to shoulder in countering the menace," the Army spokesperson said.

The joint exercise has been one of key defence cooperation initiatives between the two countries since 2013.

The exercise is taking place at a time when the region faces evolving security dynamics.

The 4th edition had taken place in Sri Lanka last year.

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