• Armies of India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) kick-started the inaugural edition of ‘Desert Cyclone’ exercise in Rajasthan’s Mahajan area. 

• The two-week military exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability in sub-conventional operations in desert and semi-desert terrains under the broader framework of the UN charter on peacekeeping operations.

• It is for the first time that the two armies are holding such a mega military exercise. It will conclude on January 15.

• The UAE contingent is being represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade.

• The Indian Army team comprising 45 personnel is mainly from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.

• The exercise signifies further strengthening of bonds of friendship and trust between India and the UAE. The exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.

Other bilateral exercises with UAE:

• Zayed Talwar - Navy

• Desert Eagle - Air Force.

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