Source: TOI
Subject: Security
Context: The Indian Army contingent has departed for Uzbekistan to participate in the 7th edition of Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK, scheduled to be held at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area.
About Military Exercise Dustlik:
What it is?
- Exercise DUSTLIK is a premier annual bilateral military training exercise conducted between the Indian Armed Forces and the Uzbekistan Armed Forces. It serves as a platform for sharing operational experiences and refining combat tactics in diverse environments.
Host: Uzbekistan, specifically the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan.
Nations: India and Uzbekistan.
Cycle: The exercise is held annually, alternating between India and Uzbekistan. The 2025 edition was held in Pune, India.
Aim: The primary objective is to foster deep military cooperation and enhance the combined capability of both forces to execute joint operations in semi-mountainous terrain. It focuses on improving physical fitness, joint planning, and the synchronization of special arms skills.
Key Features:
- Operational Drills: The training includes land navigation, strike missions on enemy bases, and the seizure of enemy-held areas.
- Command & Control Coordination: It establishes a unified operational algorithm between the command-and-control structures of both nations to ensure seamless joint planning.
- Tactical Exchange: Both sides share their Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) and familiarize themselves with each other’s operational procedures.
- Validation Exercise: The joint training culminates in a intensive 48-hour validation exercise designed to test tactical drills for neutralizing Unlawful Armed Groups through joint special operations.
- Inter-Service Participation: Notably involves both the Army and the Air Force components from both countries to improve inter-service synergy.
Significance:
- Central Asia is part of India’s extended neighborhood, and DUSTLIK is a vital pillar of India’s strategic outreach to Uzbekistan, a key regional player.
- It strengthens the ability of both militaries to work together under a unified command, which is essential for potential future peacekeeping or joint security missions.
