India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) commenced the joint military exercise 'Desert Cyclone 2024' today in the Rajasthan . The fortnight-long drill is strategically designed to enhance interoperability by fostering the exchange of best practices, particularly focusing on urban operations.

The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the exercise aims to pave the way for greater collaboration in various areas of defense. These include the production and development of defense equipment, joint exercises involving armed forces, with a special emphasis on naval operations. Additionally, the collaboration extends to sharing strategic information and doctrines, as well as technical cooperation concerning Intermediate Jet Trainer programs.

Highlighting the historical context, the ministry underscored that the inaugural India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise took place in September 2008 at the Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi. This shows the commitment to reinforcing defense capabilities through mutual cooperation.

The 'Desert Cyclone 2024' exercise highlights the shared commitment of India and the UAE to regional security and stability. 

The collaborative military engagement is expected to not only strengthen the defense ties between India and the UAE but also contribute to the broader goal of fostering regional peace and security. With a focus on urban operations, the participating armed forces are set to refine their skills and exchange valuable insights that can be crucial in addressing contemporary security challenges.