Q. 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:

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

Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI
  • Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023 is a joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka.
    • The ninth edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023” commenced in Aundh (Pune).
    • 15 personnel from Indian Air Force and five personnel from Sri Lankan Air Force participated in the exercise.
  • MITRA SHAKTI is an annual exercise based on counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in semi urban terrain.
    • It is the largest bilateral exercise being undertaken by the Sri Lankan Army and it forms a major part of India and Sri Lanka’s growing defence partnership.
    • It is designed for incorporating the current dynamics of UN’ peacekeeping operations through tactical exercises and practical discussions.
  • India’s other exercise with Sri Lanka – SLINEX (Navy)
Sri Lanka
  • Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea.
  • It is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and shares a maritime border with India and the Maldives.
  • India is Sri Lanka’s 3rd-largest export destination (after US and UK) with over 60% of Sri Lankan exports benefiting from the India-Sri Lanka FTA.
  • Both India and Sri Lanka are part of regional groups like BIMSTEC and SAARC.