India-UAE joint military exercise concludes in Abu Dhabi

The conclusion of the 'DESERT CYCLONE–II' joint military exercise between the armies of India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abu Dhabi marks another significant milestone in the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. This exercise, focusing on strengthening professional bonds and developing interoperable capabilities for future multinational operations, underscores India's proactive defence diplomacy and its commitment to fostering robust security ties in its extended neighbourhood.

**Background Context and Historical Ties:**

India and the UAE share a historically rich relationship, rooted in centuries of trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections. In recent decades, this relationship has transformed into a comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly since the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE in 2015, the first by an Indian PM in 34 years. This visit, followed by subsequent high-level exchanges, including the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement in January 2017, laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including defence and security. The UAE is a crucial partner for India, being a major source of crude oil, a significant trading partner, and home to a large Indian diaspora (estimated at over 3.5 million). Both nations also share common concerns regarding regional stability, counter-terrorism, and maritime security.

**The 'DESERT CYCLONE–II' Exercise:**

The 'DESERT CYCLONE–II' is the second iteration of this bilateral military exercise, signifying a sustained commitment to defence cooperation. These exercises are not merely symbolic; they provide invaluable platforms for troops from both armies to share best practices, understand each other's operational doctrines, and train together in realistic scenarios. The emphasis on 'interoperable capabilities' is particularly crucial. In an increasingly complex global security environment, where threats often transcend national borders, the ability of different national forces to work seamlessly together in multinational operations – be it for peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, or counter-terrorism – is paramount. Such training covers aspects like urban warfare, counter-insurgency operations, special forces tactics, and logistical coordination, preparing both armies for diverse challenges.

**Key Stakeholders:**

The primary stakeholders involved are the Indian Army and the UAE Army, acting under the directives of their respective Ministries of Defence. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the UAE play crucial diplomatic roles in shaping the overarching strategic framework within which these defence exercises take place. Beyond the military and diplomatic establishments, the exercise also reflects the broader political leadership's vision for a strong bilateral relationship. Regional security organizations and global powers also implicitly observe such developments, as they contribute to the regional security architecture.

**Significance for India:**

This exercise holds multi-faceted significance for India. Firstly, it bolsters India's **defence diplomacy**, projecting its military prowess and commitment to being a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and its extended neighbourhood. Secondly, it enhances **counter-terrorism cooperation**. Both India and the UAE face threats from extremist elements, and joint training improves their collective ability to combat terrorism effectively. Thirdly, it is a vital component of India's **'Look West' policy**, complementing its 'Act East' strategy. The Gulf region is critical for India's energy security (over 60% of India's crude oil imports come from the region) and economic interests. Stable and secure relations with nations like the UAE are therefore indispensable. Fourthly, it strengthens India's strategic autonomy by diversifying its defence partnerships and reducing over-reliance on any single power bloc. Finally, the presence of a large Indian diaspora in the UAE makes the security and stability of the region a direct concern for India.

**Constitutional and Policy Frameworks:**

While there isn't a specific constitutional article directly mandating joint military exercises, such activities fall squarely within the executive's prerogative in conducting foreign policy and defence. Article 53 of the Indian Constitution vests the executive power of the Union in the President, including the supreme command of the Defence Forces. The President exercises this power in accordance with the Constitution, primarily through the Council of Ministers. Therefore, joint exercises are an instrument of India's foreign and defence policy, aligning with the constitutional mandate to promote international peace and security (as implied by the Directive Principles of State Policy, Article 51) and protect national interests abroad. India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, which extends to its maritime neighbours and the Gulf, provides the strategic umbrella for such engagements.

**Future Implications:**

The successful conclusion of 'DESERT CYCLONE–II' paves the way for deeper military-to-military engagement. We can anticipate increased frequency and complexity of future exercises, potentially including naval and air force components. This cooperation could extend to areas like intelligence sharing, maritime domain awareness, cybersecurity, and even defence procurement and co-production, in line with India's 'Make in India' initiative. Such enhanced collaboration contributes to a more stable and secure West Asian region, which is directly beneficial for India's economic and strategic interests. It also positions India as a reliable partner in addressing regional security challenges, thereby enhancing its stature on the global stage and contributing to a balanced Indo-Pacific security architecture.