The first joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian and the Egyptian Army, ‘Exercise Cyclone – I‘ started on 14 January at Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, said the Ministry of Defence in an official release. 

The exercise, which is currently underway, 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.

‘Cyclone - I’ is the first exercise of its kind bringing the special forces of both the nations on a common platform.

“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 ministry said.

The participants will also undertake joint planning and drills for Special Forces operations in a mechanized warfare setting as well as surgical strikes on terrorist camps / hideouts to include sniping of High Value Targets.

“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," the ministry added.

India and Egypt, two of the world’s oldest civilizations, have enjoyed a history of close contact from ancient times. Egypt has traditionally been one of India’s most important trading partners in the African continent. The India-Egypt Bilateral Trade Agreement has been in operation since March 1978 and is based on the Most Favoured Nation clause, Mint reported.   

Image courtesy: Firstpost