Context:
The 2nd edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE will be conducted at Anshas, Egypt from 22nd January to 1st February 2024.
About Exercise CYCLONE:
- Aim: To acquaint both sides with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of Special Operations in desert/ semi-desert terrain
- It is designed to develop bilateral military cooperation and strengthen the bond between two armies through the conduct of discussions and rehearsal of tactical military drills.
- The Exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations in sub conventional domain.
• It will be conducted in three phases:
- Phase I: It will include Military Exhibitions and Tactical Interactions.
- Phase II: It will focus on training on Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), counter-IED IED, and Combat First Aid.
- Phase III: It will encompass Joint Tactical Exercise based on Fighting in Built-up Area and Hostage Rescue Scenarios.
About India-Egypt relations:
- India and Egypt, two of the world’s oldest civilizations, have had a long history of close contact.
- The edicts of Ashoka refer to his relations with Egypt under Ptolemy II.
- In modern times, the countries’ relationship flourished under President Nasser and Prime Minister Nehru, who were close friends; both countries signed a Friendship Treaty in 1955.
• Relations Political:
- Both countries have worked closely together in multilateral fora and are founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement.
- The year 2023 marks the 76th anniversary of India-Egypt diplomatic relations.