A statement from the government says that “Exercise Cyclone-I,” the first-ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army, is taking place in Rajasthan.
The exercise, which started on January 14, is meant to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries. It will focus on sharing professional skills and making sure that the special forces can work together well in desert terrain while doing counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, raids, and other special operations, according to a statement.
This is the first time that special forces from both countries have worked together in this way.
The 14-day exercise is taking place in the deserts of Rajasthan. The two groups are working together to improve their skills in areas like sniping, combat free fall, reconnaissance, surveillance, and identifying targets. They are also sharing information about weapons, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The participants would also work together to plan and practise special forces operations in a mechanised warfare setting, as well as surgical strikes on terrorist camps or hiding places, including the sniping of high-value targets.
The joint exercise would give both armies a chance to show each other their culture and way of life. This would foster military cooperation and interoperability and help India and Egypt strengthen their diplomatic ties, the release said.
Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the president of Egypt, is set to arrive in India on January 24. He will be the first President of Egypt and the fifth leader from the Middle East to be the most important guest at the Republic Day celebrations.