In News:

The Indian Army has deployed a contingent to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) to participate in the second edition of the bilateral joint military exercise Desert Cyclone II, scheduled to be held at Abu Dhabi. The exercise follows the inaugural edition conducted in 2024, underscoring the growing momentum in India–U.A.E. defence cooperation.

Key Features of Exercise Desert Cyclone II

• Nature of Exercise: Second edition of the India–U.A.E. Joint Military Exercise.
• Indian Contingent: 45 personnel, primarily from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion of the Indian Army.
• U.A.E. Representation: A contingent of similar strength from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion of the U.A.E. Land Forces.
• Core Objective: Enhance interoperability, mutual understanding, and operational synergy between the two armies.
• Operational Focus:
  • Sub-conventional operations in urban environments
  • Conduct of operations under a United Nations mandate
  • Preparation for peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations
• Training Components:
  • Fighting in built-up areas (FIBUA)
  • Heliborne operations
  • Detailed joint mission planning
• Technology Dimension: Integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques, reflecting the evolving nature of modern urban warfare.

The conduct of Desert Cyclone II highlights deepening military diplomacy, shared strategic concerns, and expanding operational cooperation between India and the U.A.E.

India–U.A.E. Defence Relations:

• Diplomatic relations established:1972
  • U.A.E. Embassy in New Delhi (1972)
  • Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi (1973)
• First India–U.A.E. Joint Air Forces Exercise:2008, held at Al Dhafra Air Base, Abu Dhabi.
• India is a regular participant in the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi.
• Naval Cooperation: In 2025, Indian Navy ships INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand participated in the bilateral naval exercise Zayed Talwar, aimed at enhancing maritime interoperability.