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Why in the News?

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Upendra Dwivedi concluded his official visit to Australia from February 16 to 19 to enhance bilateral defence cooperation in the Indo Pacific.

Key Highlights of Visit

  • Talks with senior leadership of Australian Defence Forces.
  • Interactions with:
    • Forces Command (FORCOMD)
    • Special Operations Command (SOCOMD)
    • 2nd Division of Australian Army
  • Discussions on:
    • Force readiness
    • Operational concepts
    • Training methodologies

Exercise AUSTRAHIND

  • Bilateral Army exercise between India and Australia.
  • Focus on:
    • Joint operations
    • Interoperability
    • Counter terrorism training
  • Next edition to be held in India later this year.

Strategic Context

  • India Australia ties elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
  • Cooperation part of broader Indo Pacific security architecture.
  • Defence collaboration complements engagement under frameworks like Quad.
[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: 

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

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