India and the UAE began the first edition of their joint military exercise, ‘Desert Cyclone’ in Mahajan, Rajasthan, on Tuesday. Personnel from the Zayed First Brigade of the UAE’s Land Forces and a battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army will participate in the exercise, which will end on 15 January. With 45 personnel participating from either side, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability in sub-conventional operations, including fighting in built-up areas in desert/semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on peacekeeping operations. The exercise will increase cooperation and interoperability between both sides during peacekeeping operations.
During a review meeting on the security situation of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir following a recent terror attack, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah stressed the need for the armed forces to follow all due procedures during counter-terror operations. Shah reviewed the area domination plan of security agencies in the UT to eliminate the threat of terrorism. He took stock of J&K’s overall security and the functioning of the security grid’s operation. Accordingly, Shah gave orders to bolster counterterrorism efforts and emphasised the need to eradicate the terror ecosystem.
Hong Kong business tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, as prosecutors accused him of colluding with foreign forces. Lai is charged with endangering China’s national security,
Three Chinese balloons flew over Taiwanese territory, including an air base, on Tuesday, the Taiwanese defence ministry stated. It marked the first time the island has reported the balloons, possibly intended for surveillance purposes, crossing the island since last month. Taiwan has been on high alert for Chinese military and political activities ahead of its upcoming 13 January presidential and parliamentary elections.
The US agreed to extend its military presence at a base in Qatar for another 10 years, CNN reported on Tuesday, citing sources. According to the source, the base in question is the Al Udeid air site, which is located in a desert southwest of Doha and hosts the largest US military facility in the Middle East, capable of housing over 10,000 troops.
Saudi Arabia has formally joined BRICS as a full member, the Kingdom’s state-run TV channel Al Ekhbariya reported on Tuesday. “The kingdom’s full membership of BRICS grouping comprising Russia, China and other countries has begun, which strengthens its global positions,” the news outlet said. Earlier in August, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said the kingdom would review the invitation and make “the appropriate decision.”