Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise

Select the answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 1, 2 and 4
3. 1, 3 and 4
4. 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is a Joint Military exercise between India and Sri Lanka.

Statement 2 is correct

• The ninth edition of the Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023” was held in Aundh (Pune). The exercise was conducted from 16th to 29th November 2023. The aim of the exercise was to jointly rehearse the conduct of Sub-Conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

Statement 3 is correct

• The Scope of the exercise included synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations. Both sides practised tactical actions such as raids, search-and-destroy missions, and heliborne operations. In addition, Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), combat reflex shooting and Yoga was also part of the exercise curriculum.

Statement 4 is correct

• MITRA SHAKTI-IX was the first time that the annual exercise saw participation of the two Air Forces in addition to the two Armies, making it the first bi-service edition.

Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4; Difficulty Level: Medium