India and the UAE are set to engage in their inaugural joint military exercise, ‘Desert Cyclone 2024,’ aimed at enhancing interoperability through knowledge exchange in urban operations. The two-week-long exercise, scheduled from January 2 to January 15, will unfold in the arid terrains of Rajasthan.
As per the official communication from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army, shared on social media, the exercise seeks to bolster interoperability by sharing insights and refining practices in urban warfare.
The longstanding friendship between India and the UAE, rooted in cultural, religious, and economic interactions spanning millennia, forms a solid foundation for such collaborations. The Ministry of External Affairs identifies potential areas of bilateral cooperation, including the production and development of defense equipment, joint exercises, information sharing on strategy and doctrines, and technical cooperation.
Recent times have witnessed significant growth in defense collaboration between India and the UAE, focusing on training, the supply of defense inventory, and regular exchange programs. Milestones include the India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise in 2008 and naval exercises like ‘Zayed Talwar,’ showcasing the expanding scope of defense interactions.
India actively participates in the biennial International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing its commitment to engaging with the global defense community. Regular high-level and functional exchanges between India and the UAE, coupled with naval port calls, demonstrate the steady growth of bilateral defense cooperation.
As both nations continue to strengthen their defense ties, the ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ exercise serves as a testament to evolving collaboration, facilitating shared learning and mutual growth in military capabilities.
The exercise aligns with the broader strategy of joint military exercises with friendly nations, leading to constructive engagements and enhanced skills for armed forces. These exercises involve the exchange of current tactical and technological practices, contributing to the continual refinement of military operations.
The robust friendship between India and the UAE, deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and economic interactions spanning millennia, forms a solid foundation for such collaborations. The Ministry of External Affairs identifies potential areas of bilateral cooperation in the defense field, emphasizing joint exercises, information sharing, and technical cooperation.
Recent years have witnessed a substantial uptick in defense collaboration between India and the UAE, particularly in defense training, the supply of defense inventory, and the implementation of regular exchange programs. A notable milestone in this partnership was the inaugural India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise in 2008, held at the Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi.
India’s active participation in the biennial International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi underscores its commitment to engaging with the global defense community. Regular high-level and functional exchanges between India and the UAE, along with naval port calls, exemplify the steady growth of bilateral defense cooperation.
This exercise, ‘Desert Cyclone 2024,’ stands as a testament to the evolving collaboration, fostering shared learning and mutual growth in military capabilities. As both nations deepen their defense ties, they contribute to regional stability and reinforce diplomatic relations. The commitment to joint military exercises reflects a shared vision for peace and security, underscoring the significance of partnerships in addressing contemporary security challenges.