The 6th edition of the India–Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise “DUSTLIK-VI” began at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune (Maharashtra). This annual bilateral exercise is alternately hosted by both nations. The previous edition (DUSTLIK-V) was held in Termez District, Uzbekistan, in April 2024. The word DUSTLIK, means “friendship” in Uzbek.
Background
- The first edition of DUSTLIK was conducted in November 2019 in Uzbekistan.
- It marked the start of a structured defence partnership between India and Uzbekistan.
- The exercise reflects the commitment to enhancing bilateral military cooperation and interoperability.
Key Highlights of DUSTLIK-VI (2025)
Theme: “Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a Semi-Urban Scenario”
Participants:
- Indian contingent: 60 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the JAT Regiment and the Indian Air Force.
- Uzbek contingent: Personnel from the Uzbek Army.
Main Objectives:
- Strengthen tactical-level cooperation in joint military operations.
- Share Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for sub-conventional operations.
- Conduct coordinated operations to counter terrorist activities and territorial capture in complex semi-urban terrain.
Exercise Components
Joint Battalion-Level Operations simulating hostile force capture and response mechanisms.
Special Forces Operations:
- Helipad securing, reconnaissance, Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO).
- Small Team Insertion & Extraction (STIE).
Joint Operations Centre: Establishment and functioning for real-time coordination.
Counterterrorism Missions:
- Population control, search-and-destroy raids, and neutralisation of threats.
Deployment of Technology:
- Use of drones, helicopters, and counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) technologies.
Air-Land Integration:
- Indian Air Force to provide logistics and air support to maintain operations in hostile zones.
Significance:
- Enhances interoperability, combat preparedness, and mutual trust between the Indian and Uzbek armed forces.
- Reinforces India’s growing role in regional security cooperation and counter-terrorism.
- Strengthens military diplomacy and defence engagement under India’s “Central Asia Outreach Policy”.