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 correct answer using the code given below :
Contents15
- A1, 2 and 3
- B1, 2 and 4
- C1, 3 and 4
- D2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Answer: (D) 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (d) Statements 2, 3 and 4.
Statement 1: India-Bangladesh exercise — ✗ WRONG.
Mitra Shakti-2023 was a joint exercise between India and Sri Lanka, not Bangladesh. This is the main trap.
Statement 2: Commenced in Aundh (Pune) — ✓ CORRECT.
Statement 3: Counter-terrorism was a goal — ✓ CORRECT.
The exercise rehearsed sub-conventional operations under UN Chapter VII.
Statement 4: Indian Air Force participated — ✓ CORRECT.
15 IAF personnel took part, along with helicopters, drones, and counter-drone systems.
Easy way to remember: 'Mitra Shakti' = India + Sri Lanka (bilateral military exercise).
Don't confuse it with India-Bangladesh exercises.
Mitra Shakti is India's bilateral military exercise with Sri Lanka, held annually to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
In 2023, India significantly expanded military cooperation with Sri Lanka as China increased its presence in the Indian Ocean, making these exercises strategically important.
UPSC is testing whether students can distinguish between India's different bilateral military exercises - each neighbor has a specific exercise name that should not be confused.
Exercise Mitra Shakti
World Affairs (International Relations) Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 joint military exercise
Exercise Mitra Shakti: India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise
Mitra Shakti is the annual bilateral army exercise between India and Sri Lanka
2023 edition was held in Aundh, Pune with counter-terrorism focus
Indian Air Force participated with helicopters and drone systems
Exercise focuses on UN Chapter VII sub-conventional operations
What is Mitra Shakti
Mitra Shakti is the flagship bilateral military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, conducted annually to enhance defense cooperation and operational readiness. The exercise strengthens military ties and builds capacity for joint operations.
Mitra Shakti 2023 Details
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Participating Countries | India and Sri Lanka |
Location | Aundh, Pune |
Duration | Annual exercise |
Focus Areas | Counter-terrorism, Sub-conventional operations |
Legal Framework | UN Chapter VII operations |
Air Component | 15 IAF personnel, helicopters, drones |
Technology | Counter-drone systems |
Question Context
This UPSC question tests knowledge of India's bilateral military exercises. The main trap was confusing Mitra Shakti (India-Sri Lanka) with India-Bangladesh exercises like Sampriti.
Trap: Statement 1 says India-Bangladesh — Mitra Shakti is India-Sri Lanka, not Bangladesh
Don't confuse with Sampriti (India-Bangladesh) or Surya Kiran (India-Nepal)
Remember: Mitra = friend in Sanskrit, reflects India-Sri Lanka friendship
Air Force participation is common in modern joint exercises — don't assume army-only
India's Bilateral Military Exercises
World Affairs (International Relations)
India's Key Bilateral Military Exercises with Neighbors
India conducts annual bilateral exercises with all major neighbors
Each exercise has a unique name — UPSC tests name-country pairing
Focus areas include counter-terrorism, UN peacekeeping, disaster relief
Strategic Importance
India's bilateral military exercises strengthen regional security partnerships and build interoperability for joint operations. These exercises are key tools of defense diplomacy in South Asia and beyond.
Major Bilateral Military Exercises
Exercise Name | Partner Country | Focus Areas | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
Mitra Shakti | Sri Lanka | Counter-terrorism, UN Chapter VII | Annual |
Sampriti | Bangladesh | Counter-terrorism, UN peacekeeping | Annual |
Surya Kiran | Nepal | Disaster relief, counter-terrorism | Annual |
Nomadic Elephant | Mongolia | Counter-terrorism | Annual |
Shakti | France | Desert warfare, counter-terrorism | Biennial |
Yudh Abhyas | USA | High-altitude warfare | Annual |
Indra | Russia | Counter-terrorism, peacekeeping | Annual |
Never confuse exercise names — each country has a unique exercise name with India
Mitra Shakti = Sri Lanka, Sampriti = Bangladesh — most commonly mixed up
Surya Kiran ≠ Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team — different contexts
Some exercises are army-only, others include tri-services — read carefully
India-Sri Lanka Defense Relations
World Affairs (International Relations) India and Sri Lanka
India-Sri Lanka Defense Cooperation & Strategic Partnership
Comprehensive defense partnership covering training, equipment, and joint exercises
Focus on maritime security in Indian Ocean and counter-terrorism
India provides military training and capacity building to Sri Lankan forces
Strategic Context
India-Sri Lanka defense cooperation is vital for Indian Ocean security and regional stability. The partnership helps counter common threats like terrorism, maritime piracy, and drug trafficking while building Sri Lankan defense capabilities.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Joint Military Exercises: Annual Mitra Shakti exercise for operational readiness
Maritime Security: Coordinated patrolling and intelligence sharing in Indian Ocean
Capacity Building: Training Sri Lankan officers in Indian military institutions
Equipment Support: Defense equipment and spare parts supply
Counter-Terrorism: Joint operations against LTTE remnants and other threats
Defense Cooperation Framework
# India-Sri Lanka Defense Partnership
## Training & Education
- Officer training in India
- Technical courses
- Staff exchanges
## Joint Operations
- Mitra Shakti exercise
- Maritime patrols
- Counter-terrorism
## Equipment & Technology
- Military hardware
- Spare parts
- Maintenance support
## Intelligence Sharing
- Maritime domain awareness
- Terror threats
- Regional securityUN Chapter VII Operations
World Affairs (International Relations) UN Chapter VII
UN Charter Chapter VII: Peace Enforcement Operations
Chapter VII authorizes UN Security Council to use force to maintain international peace
Covers enforcement actions beyond traditional peacekeeping
Includes economic sanctions and military intervention
Legal Framework
UN Charter Chapter VII (Articles 39-51) empowers the Security Council to take enforcement action against threats to international peace and security. Unlike Chapter VI peacekeeping, Chapter VII operations can use force without consent of all parties.
Chapter VI vs Chapter VII Operations
Aspect | Chapter VI (Peacekeeping) | Chapter VII (Peace Enforcement) |
|---|---|---|
Consent | Requires consent of all parties | Can act without full consent |
Use of Force | Only in self-defense | Authorized use of force |
Mandate | Monitor, observe, facilitate | Enforce, compel, protect |
Examples | UNMOGIP, UNIFIL | UNSOM, MONUSCO |
Legal Basis | Articles 33-38 | Articles 39-51 |
Nature | Conflict prevention | Conflict resolution/enforcement |
Chapter VII Powers
Economic sanctions: Trade embargoes, asset freezes, travel bans
Military measures: Naval blockades, air strikes, ground operations
Protection of civilians: Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine
Counter-terrorism: Operations against terrorist organizations
Humanitarian intervention: Access for relief operations
Chapter VII = enforcement with force, Chapter VI = peacekeeping without force
Don't confuse with Article 51 (self-defense) — that's separate from Chapter VII
Security Council authorization is mandatory for Chapter VII operations
Modern sub-conventional operations often fall under Chapter VII mandate