The first joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian and the Egyptian Army, ‘Exercise Cyclone – I’ started on 14 January at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, said the Ministry of Defence. ‘Cyclone – I’ is the first exercise of its kind bringing the special forces of both the nations on a common platform.
The exercise aims to bolster defence co-operation between the two countries and focus on sharing professional skills and interoperability of special forces in desert terrain while undertaking counter terrorism, reconnaissance, raids and other special operations, it added.
The ministry said that “The 14 days long exercise which is being carried out in the deserts of Rajasthan engages both the contingents to advance special forces skills such as Sniping, Combat Free Fall, Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Designation, sharing of information on weapons, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques and procedures.” The participants will also undertake joint planning and drills for Special Forces operations in a mechanised warfare setting as well as surgical strikes on terrorist camps / hideouts to include sniping of High Value Targets.
The ministry added that “This joint exercise will provide an insight into the culture and ethos of both armies thereby fostering military cooperation and interoperability to further strengthen the diplomatic relations between India and Egypt.”
India and Egypt, two of the world’s oldest civilizations, have a long history of contact. Egypt has traditionally been one of India’s most important African trading partners. The India-Egypt Bilateral Trade Agreement, which is based on the Most Favored Nation clause, has been in effect since March 1978.
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