New Delhi, Aug 20 (PTI) The first-ever joint air exercise involving the Indian Air Force and the the Royal Malaysian Air Force commenced today at Subang Air Base in Malaysia, officials said.

India has been eyeing a foothold at the strategically important Subang Air Base, sources said.

"IAF & RMAF #JointExercise :Making History-Today a joint exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) commenced at Subang Air Base, Malaysia. This is the inaugural bilateral exercise between IAF & RMAF," the IAF tweeted.

The IAF, on Twitter, also shared some pictures from the event.

"IAF & RMAF #JointExercise : In a formal ceremony, exercise was inaugurated by Gp Capt CUV Rao, team leader IAF & Col Mahadzer, Ex director of RMAF. It's a platform to exchange Knowledge & Good practices with each other. Glimpses of inaugural ceremony," it said in another tweet.

The exercise seeks to deepen defence and military ties between the two countries.

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