The Indian Army contingent set off for the 5th edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military Exercise DUSTLIK. Scheduled to take place from April 15th to April 28th, 2024, in Termez, the Republic of Uzbekistan, this exercise marks another milestone in the growing military cooperation between the two nations.
Ex-DUSTLIK, conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan, serves as a platform to enhance military cooperation and combined capabilities to execute joint operations in challenging terrains. With the last edition held in Pithoragarh, India, in February 2023, this year’s exercise promises to build upon previous successes and further strengthen bilateral relations.
Comprising a contingent of 60 personnel, the Indian Armed Forces are represented by 45 soldiers from the Indian Army, predominantly from a Battalion of the JAT Regiment, along with 15 personnel from the Indian Air Force. On the other side, approximately 100 personnel from the Uzbekistan Army and Air Force, primarily from the Southern Operational Command, are participating in the exercise.
Aim of Ex DUSTLIK
The aim of Ex-DUSTLIK is multifaceted, focusing on fostering military cooperation, enhancing combined capabilities, and conducting joint operations in mountainous and semi-urban terrains. It emphasizes physical fitness, joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms skills, laying the groundwork for effective collaboration between the two forces.
Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise include establishing a Joint Command Post, Intelligence & Surveillance Centre, securing landing sites, Small Team Insertion & Extraction, Special Heliborne Operations, and more. The complexity of this edition has been elevated with the inclusion of personnel from combat support arms and services, showcasing the comprehensive nature of joint operations.
Moreover, the participation of two Women Officers from the Indian Army underscores the commitment to gender inclusivity and diversity within the armed forces. Their involvement, representing the Regiment of Artillery and the Army Medical Corps, highlights the pivotal role women play in modern military operations.
Ex-DUSTLIK serves as a platform for sharing best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures, fostering interoperability, camaraderie, and mutual understanding between soldiers of both nations. Beyond military cooperation, it contributes to strengthening bilateral relations, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.
