New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Indian Army's chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, embarked on an official two-day journey to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, marking a significant move towards enhancing military and strategic ties. Following his visit to the UAE, he is scheduled to proceed to Sri Lanka from January 5 to 8.

This trip to the UAE highlights the increasing defence collaboration within the framework of the India-UAE strategic partnership, which has been gaining momentum through high-level interactions and joint efforts in the security and defence arenas.

According to a post on X from the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General, Public Information (ADG-PI), “#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS, has begun his official visit to the United Arab Emirates #UAE today. This visit reflects a mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation, fostering understanding in shared interests, and advancing bilateral #DefenceCooperation between our nations.”

Upon his arrival, Gen Dwivedi will receive a Guard of Honour from the UAE Land Forces, as stated by the Defence Ministry. During his stay, he will meet with senior UAE military leaders, including the Commander of the UAE Land Forces, and receive briefings on the capabilities and structure of the UAE Army.

He will also tour key military facilities and engage with officers and troops, which will strengthen the defence partnership between India and the UAE. A highlight of his visit will be at the UAE National Defence College, where he will address the officers. These interactions aim to enhance bilateral military exchanges, professional cooperation, and strategic understanding between the two nations' armed forces.

India and the UAE share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with defence cooperation playing a vital role alongside trade, energy, and cultural relations. Previous military interactions, including reciprocal visits by senior commanders and collaborative discussions on capability enhancement, underscore the ongoing momentum of this partnership.

Gen Dwivedi’s visit will likely include discussions with senior UAE military officials regarding further collaboration in defence innovation, joint exercises, and strategic dialogues.

Recently, an Indian Army contingent arrived in the UAE to take part in the second iteration of the joint military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone-II,’ held in Abu Dhabi from December 18 to 30.

The exercise aims to improve interoperability and strengthen defence relations between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces through joint urban training, focusing on sub-conventional operations under a UN mandate, thus enhancing both forces’ capabilities for peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations, as per the Defence Ministry's statement.

Over nearly two weeks, troops from both nations will engage in various tactical drills, including urban warfare, heliborne operations, and comprehensive mission planning. Additionally, integration of UAS and counter-UAS techniques will be practiced for operations in urban settings.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the UAE Land Forces, Maj Gen Yousef Maayouf Saeed Al Hallami, visited India from October 27 to 28, and the Commander of the UAE Presidential Guard was present from December 15 to 19.

Maj Gen Hallami's visit featured crucial engagements between senior leaders and officials from both sides, further solidifying the foundation for enhanced military cooperation and strategic collaboration.

From the UAE, Gen Dwivedi will head to Sri Lanka on January 7-8. Upon his arrival, he will receive a Guard of Honour from the Sri Lanka Army and will engage with senior military and civil leaders, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Deputy Minister of Defence, and Defence Secretary. They will discuss various matters of mutual interest, including training cooperation, capacity building, and regional security.

During his time in Sri Lanka, the COAS will address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and interact with trainees at the Army War College in Buttala, showcasing India’s dedication to defence education and military exchanges.

General Dwivedi will also pay tribute at the IPKF War Memorial, honoring the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers.

This visit to the UAE and Sri Lanka reaffirms India’s commitment to bolstering defence cooperation, fostering trust, and enhancing interoperability with allied nations in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia.