Why in the News?

India is set to participate with over 700 personnel from tri-services for 19th edition of Exercise Bright Star 2025 in Egypt.

About Exercise Bright Star:

Origin: Began in 1980 as a US–Egypt bilateral drill after the Egypt–Israel peace treaty.
Nature: Now one of the largest and longest-running multinational tri-service military exercises in the Middle East.
Frequency: Held biennially in Egypt with the United States as the principal partner.
Objectives:
- Enhance regional security and stability.
- Improve jointness, interoperability, and operational coordination among partner nations.

Scale: Approximate 7,900 troops from 43 nations.
- 13 countries directly deploying troops.
- 30 countries participating as observers.
Strategic Significance:
- Builds defence cooperation between India, Egypt, US, and partner nations.
- Important amid West Asia, Red Sea, and Gulf security challenges.

[UPSC 2024] 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:

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