• India and the United Arab Emirates carried out a naval exercise off the coast of Abu Dhabi on August 7, in reflection of a rapid upswing in bilateral military cooperation.

• The Indian Navy deployed its warship INS Kochi and two integral Sea King MK 42B helicopters for the ‘Zayed Talwar’ exercise.

• The UAE participated in the exercise with Al-Dhafra, a Baynunah class guided missile corvette, and one AS-565B Panther helicopter.

• As part of the exercise, the ships undertook tactical manoeuvres, over the horizon targeting, search and rescue and electronic warfare drill to enhance interoperability and synergy between the two navies.

• Helicopters were extensively used all through the exercise ranging from search and rescue operations to the passing of targeting data to ships for simulated missile engagement drills.

• The naval exercise came a week after Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R.K.S Bhadauria visited the UAE.

• In December last year, Army Chief Gen M.M. Naravane visited the UAE and Saudi Arabia in a first-ever visit by a head of the Indian Army to the two important Gulf countries. 

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