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.

The correct answer is 2, 3 and 4.

Let's analyze each of the statements to understand why this option is correct:
1. Statement 1 is incorrect: Exercise Mitra Shakti is a joint military exercise conducted between India and Sri Lanka, not India and Bangladesh. (Note: The joint exercise between India and Bangladesh is called 'Sampriti'). Therefore, any option containing Statement 1 is incorrect.
2. Statement 2 is correct: The 9th edition of the joint military exercise, 'Mitra Shakti-2023', commenced on November 16, 2023, in Aundh (Pune), Maharashtra.
3. Statement 3 is correct: The primary objective of the exercise was to promote sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, focusing on achieving a joint response during counter-terrorism operations.
4. Statement 4 is correct: The 2023 edition was upgraded to a bi-service exercise, meaning that the Indian Air Force (along with the Sri Lankan Air Force) participated in the exercise alongside the army troops from both nations.

Since statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct, the correct code is 2, 3 and 4.