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:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4
Mitra Shakti-2023 was the ninth edition of the joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, held at Aundh (Pune) in November 2023. Its scope covered joint responses in counter-terrorist operations, and Indian Air Force personnel took part. Only statement 1, which names Bangladesh, is wrong.
- ✗ 1. The partner was Sri Lanka, not Bangladesh. The Indian contingent came mainly from the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment and the Sri Lankan side from its 53 Infantry Division.
- ✓ 2. The ninth edition commenced on 16 November 2023 at Aundh, Pune, and ran till 29 November 2023.
- ✓ 3. The scope of the exercise included synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations, under sub-conventional operations as envisaged in Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
- ✓ 4. 15 Indian Air Force personnel, along with five from the Sri Lankan Air Force, also took part.
Remember · Mitra Shakti is the India–Sri Lanka joint military exercise. Its ninth edition (2023) was held at Aundh, Pune, with counter-terrorism drills and Indian Air Force participation.
Sources
- INDIA - SRI LANKA JOINT EXERCISE MITRA SHAKTI – 2023 COMMENCED TODAY (PIB, Ministry of Defence, 16 Nov 2023) ↗ “The ninth edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023” commenced today in Aundh (Pune). … The Sri Lankan side is being represented by personnel from 53 Infantry Division. 15 personnel from Indian Air Force and five personnel from Sri Lankan Air Force are also participating in the exercise. … The Scope of the exercise includes synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations.”
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2024, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·