A contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has arrived at the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates to participate in Exercise Desert Flag-10, a prestigious multinational air combat drill.

Exercise Desert Flag-10

• A contingent of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has arrived at the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates to participate in Exercise Desert Flag-10, a prestigious multinational air combat drill.
• The IAF is deploying MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft for this exercise.
• The event is hosted by the UAE Air Force, with participation from the Air Forces of:
  • Australia
  • Bahrain
  • France
  • Germany
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Republic of Korea
  • Turkey
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • India
• The exercise is scheduled to be held from 21 April to 08 May 2025.

Objectives of the Exercise

• The main goals of Exercise Desert Flag-10 include:
  • Conducting complex and diverse fighter engagements.
  • Promoting interoperability and tactical cooperation among the participating nations.
  • Facilitating the exchange of operational knowledge and best practices with some of the most capable air forces in the world.
• India’s participation highlights its commitment to enhancing defence cooperation and strengthening strategic ties with friendly nations, especially in the Gulf region.

India-UAE Bilateral Relations: A Growing Strategic Partnership

Diplomatic and Strategic Ties

• India and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 1972.
• A significant boost in the relationship came with the visit of the Indian Prime Minister in August 2015, leading to the formation of a new strategic partnership.

Economic Cooperation

• The bilateral trade between India and the UAE reached USD 85 billion in 2022-23.
• The UAE is:
  • India’s third-largest trading partner
  • Second-largest export destination
• The mutual goal is to enhance:
  • Merchandise trade to over USD 100 billion
  • Services trade to USD 15 billion within five years

Financial Collaboration

• Both countries signed a pact to interlink domestic debit/credit card networks:
  • RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE)
• This move aims to:
  • Strengthen financial sector cooperation
  • Increase universal acceptance of RuPay cards in the UAE