New Delhi: India and Egypt will conduct the second edition of bilateral exercise ‘Cyclone’ in Anshas, Egypt, from Monday to February 1, the Ministry of Defence said today.

The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 25 personnel, has arrived in Egypt to participate in the 2nd edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces exercise ‘Cyclone’, the Ministry said in a statement here.

The exercise aims to acquaint both sides with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of Special Operations in desert/semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

The Indian contingent will be represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Egyptian contingent, comprising 25 personnel, will be represented by the Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.

The exercise will unfold in three phases. The first phase will include Military Exhibitions and Tactical Interactions, second phase will focus on training on Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), counter IED and Combat First Aid. The third and final phase will encompass a Joint Tactical Exercise based on Fighting in Built-up Area and Hostage Rescue Scenarios, the Ministry said.

This exercise is designed to develop bilateral military cooperation between two armies through the conduct of discussions and rehearsal of tactical military drills. It will also act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.

The inaugural edition of the exercise was conducted last year in India, the Ministry added.