India and the UAE commenced a joint military drill named ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ in Mahajan, Rajasthan on January 2, 2024. The joint military exercise will conclude on January 15.
The UAE contingent, composed of 45 personnel, represents troops from the Zayed First Brigade, while the Indian Army contingent, also consisting of 45 personnel, is predominantly represented by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
Goal of joint military exercise
The primary goal of the exercise is to improve interoperability in sub-conventional operations, including Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA), within desert and semi-desert terrain, in accordance with the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations.
Through ‘DESERT CYCLONE,’ both India and the UAE aim to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and trust. The exercise is designed to achieve shared security objectives, contributing to the enhancement of bilateral relations between these two friendly nations.
First India-UAE joint air force exercise
The inaugural India-UAE joint air force exercise took place at Al Dhafra Base, Abu Dhabi, in September 2008.
- Additionally, India has been a regular participant in the Abu Dhabi Biennial International Defense Exhibition (IDEX).
Key facts about the United Arab Emirates (UAE):
- Geographical Location: Western Asia
- Dominant Religion: Islam, with the majority being Sunni Muslims
- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Official Language: Arabic
- President/Crown Prince: Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Prime Minister: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
India’s notable military exercises in 2023:
1. Adventure Kurukshetra:
- Date: 6 – 13 March 2023 (13th Edition)
- Venue: Jodhpur Military Station
- Partner Country: Singapore
2. Ekuverin:
- Date: 11 – 24 June 2023 (12th Edition)
- Venue: Chaubatiya, Uttarakhand
- Participating Country: Maldives
3. Khanjar:
- Date: March 2023 (10th Edition)
- Venue: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Partner Country: Kyrgyzstan
4. Nomadic Elephant:
- Date: July 2023 (15th Edition)
- Venue: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Participating Country: Mongolia
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