ISLAMABAD: The two-week-long bilateral military exercise ‘Shake Hands-II’ between the armies of Pakistan and Sri Lanka commenced on Monday at Tarbela, marking another step in strengthening defense cooperation between the two friendly nations. The development underscores the growing focus on regional security collaboration and joint preparedness.
The counter-terrorism exercise aims to enhance professional capabilities through structured joint training while further reinforcing longstanding military-to-military relations, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations. Officials noted that such exercises play a vital role in building trust, sharing operational knowledge, and improving coordination between partner forces.
Participating troops from the Pakistan Army Special Services Group and Special Forces from the Sri Lanka Army are taking part in a range of counter-terrorism drills. These activities include simulated combat scenarios, urban warfare techniques, intelligence coordination, and rapid response operations designed to address modern security threats.
Military officials emphasized that the exercise provides an opportunity for both sides to exchange operational experiences and technical expertise in counter-terrorism operations. As a result, the training is expected to improve interoperability, enhance tactical coordination, and deepen mutual understanding between the participating units.
Defense analysts observe that bilateral exercises like ‘Shake Hands-II’ reflect a shared commitment to regional stability and collective security. They also highlight the importance of sustained defense partnerships in responding to evolving security challenges, particularly those related to terrorism and transnational threats.
