Description

Source: PIB

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Context

The 6th edition of the India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI officially commenced on 16 April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh (Pune).

About Exercise DUSTLIK

Annual bilateral military exercise between India and Uzbekistan.

The first edition was conducted in November 2019 in Uzbekistan initiating structured military cooperation.

Conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan each year.

The previous edition (DUSTLIK-V) was held in Termez District, Uzbekistan in April 2024.

Participants (2025 Edition)

Country	Contingent
India	60 personnel including troops from a battalion of the JAT Regiment and elements of the Indian Air Force
Uzbekistan	Troops from the Uzbekistan Army

Theme and Focus

Theme

Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in a Semi-Urban Scenario.

Objectives

Enhance interoperability in joint operations.

Conduct coordinated battalion level responses to terrorist activities.

Focus on scenarios involving territorial capture by hostile forces in semi-urban environments.

Strengthen tactical drills, communication protocols and decision making coordination between the two forces.

Highlights of the Exercise

Coordination across land, air and cyber domains.

Simulation of anti-terrorist and counter-insurgency missions.

Techniques for building clearance, hostage rescue and neutralization of hostile elements.

To enhance people-to-people ties between armed forces personnel.

India Uzbekistan Defence Relations

Deep cultural and historical ties since ancient Silk Road days. Both were part of ancient trade and civilizational exchanges.

Uzbekistan is a key player in Central Asia—a region crucial to India's Connect Central Asia Policy.

India's focus on Uzbekistan has grown due to its strategic location near Afghanistan, Russia and China.

Defence Cooperation Highlights

Aspect	Details
Defence MoUs	Several Memoranda of Understanding signed since 2018 for defence cooperation and joint exercises.
Military Training	Uzbek military officers receive training at Indian institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy and Officers Training Academy.
Capacity Building	India assists Uzbekistan in military modernization providing technical support and training modules.
Counter-Terrorism	Joint focus on counter-terrorism and counter-radicalization initiatives given Uzbekistan’s proximity to Afghanistan.
Exercise DUSTLIK	Launched in 2019 to institutionalize bilateral military engagements.
Visits and Dialogues	Regular high-level defence visits; Annual Defence Dialogue mechanism set up.

Importance of India Uzbekistan Defence Ties

Strengthens security architecture in Central Asia which is crucial for India's regional interests.

Critical due to concerns over Islamic extremism from neighboring Afghanistan.

Defence ties complement broader strategic cooperation including Chabahar Port access and International North-South Transport Corridor.

Training, capacity building and joint exercises help expand India's soft military footprint in Central Asia.

Sources:

PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. "Strengthening military cooperation with Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan is crucial for India’s strategic interests in the post-Afghanistan regional order." In this context, discuss the significance of broader India-Uzbekistan defence relations. 250 Words.