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📍 The Question

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 exercise.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4

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✅ Correct Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4

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🧠 Indexive Theme of the Question

Internal Security | Defence Exercises | India–Sri Lanka Military Cooperation | Counter-Terrorism

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI–2023 is a bilateral joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, aimed at enhancing interoperability and joint operational preparedness.

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🔍 Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1

This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

❌ Incorrect

• Mitra Shakti is conducted between India and Sri Lanka, not Bangladesh.
• The 2023 edition involved:
  • India: Troops mainly from Maratha Light Infantry
  • Sri Lanka: Personnel from 53 Infantry Division

Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.

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Statement 2

It commenced in Aundh (Pune).

✅ Correct

• The 9th edition of Exercise Mitra Shakti–2023 commenced at Aundh Military Station, Pune.

Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

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Statement 3

Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this exercise.

✅ Correct

• The exercise focused on Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
• Emphasis areas included:
  • Joint counter-terrorism responses
  • Raid, search and destroy missions
  • Heliborne operations
  • Urban and jungle warfare drills

Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

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Statement 4

Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

✅ Correct

• Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel participated along with:
  • Sri Lankan Air Force personnel
• The exercise included:
  • Helicopter operations
  • Drone and Counter-UAS operations
  • Casualty evacuation and helipad security drills

Hence, Statement 4 is correct.

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🧾 Final Verdict

Correct statements: 2, 3 and 4

👉 Answer: (d)

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🧭 Prelims Memory Hook

MITRA SHAKTI = India + Sri Lanka | Pune | Counter-Terror | Tri-Service flavour

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🧠 IAS Monk Whisper

Modern warfare is no longer about borders alone; it is about coordination, credibility, and collective response.