New Delhi: A contingent of 45 personnel from the UAE Land Forces arrived in India to participate in the inaugural India-UAE Joint Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’. The exercise will be conducted in Mahajan, Rajasthan, from January 2nd to 15th, 2024. Troops from the Zayed First Brigade represent the UAE contingent, while a battalion from the Mechanized Infantry Regiment forms the core of the 45-strong Indian Army contingent.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations, including Fighting in Built-Up Areas in desert and semi-desert terrain, as mandated by Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. It will strengthen cooperation and interoperability between both sides during such operations.
Drills planned during ‘Desert Cyclone’ include establishing a Joint Surveillance Centre, conducting Cordon and Search Operations, dominating Built-Up Areas, and executing Heliborne Operations. The exercise will further foster collaborative partnerships and facilitate the sharing of best practices between the two forces.
‘Desert Cyclone’ is not merely a tactical spectacle, it stands as a powerful symbol of the deepening strategic partnership between India and the UAE. This exercise signifies a strengthening trust and a shared commitment to regional security. It serves as a testament to the willingness of both nations to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the face of evolving threats, ensuring stability and prosperity in the region.