India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone began in Anshas, Egypt, on 22 January. This 11-day bilateral exercise will continue till 1 February.

The Indian Army Special Forces, comprising 25 personnel, reached Egypt to participate in the 2nd edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone.
The first edition of the Exercise was conducted in 2023 in India.

About Exercise Cyclone

Exercise Cyclone is designed to develop bilateral military cooperation and strengthen the bond between two armies through discussions and rehearsing tactical military drills.
The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) of India is representing the Indian contingent and they are joined by the Egyptian contingent consisting of 25 personnel represented by the Egyptian Commando Squadron and the Egyptian Airborne Platoon.
The exercise aims to excel both sides with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of Special Operations in desert/semi-desert terrain.
This exercise is being held under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The Exercise will involve the planning and executing of special operations in the conventional domain and will be conducted in three phases.

Phases of exercise

The first phase includes Military Exhibitions and Tactical Interactions,
The second phase focuses on training on Improvised Explosive Device (IED), counter IED and Combat First Aid.
The third and final phase encompasses a Joint Tactical Exercise based on Fighting in Built-up Areas and Hostage Rescue Scenarios.

Importance of Exercise

The Exercise will provide an opportunity for both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices.
This exercise will help achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.

Joint Military Exercises by the Indian Army

Joint military exercises help to achieve shared security goals and strengthen bilateral relations between two nations. The table below lists some of the most important bilateral military exercises conducted by the Indian Army.

Country	Exercise
Australia	Ex AUSTRA HIND
Bangladesh	Ex SAMPRITI
China	Ex HAND IN HAND
France	Ex SHAKTI
Indonesia	Ex GARUDA SHAKTI
Kazakhstan	Ex PRABAL DOSTYK
Kyrgyzstan	Ex KHANJAR
Maldives	Ex EKUVERIN
Mongolia	Ex NOMADIC ELEPHANT
Myanmar	IMBEX
Nepal	Ex SURYA KIRAN
Oman	AL NAGAH
Russia	Ex INDRA
Seychelles	Ex LAMITYE
Sri Lanka	Ex MITRA SHAKTI
Thailand	Ex MAITREE
UK	Ex AJEYA WARRIOR
USA	Ex YUDHABHAYAS
USA	Ex VAJRA PRAHAR
Vietnam	VINBAX